4 Wildcats named to Coaches All-SEC teams

Four Kentucky Wildcats have been named to the Coaches All-SEC teams that were announced Tuesday.

Senior offensive tackle Landon Young was named to the first team, while senior center Drake Jackson and junior offensive tackle Darian Kinnard were named to the second team. Redshirt freshman linebacker J.J. Weaver was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team.

Young, a Lexington (KY) native, has appeared in 47 career games with 31 starts, including 23 in a row at left tackle. He was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice this season (Oct. 19 and Nov. 16). He graded out at 89%, did not miss an assignment, and led the “Big Blue Wall” in knockdown blocks with 56. He totaled 163 blocks at the point of attack.

Jackson, hailing from Versailles (KY), has played in 46 career games with 43 consecutive starts at center. He graded at 85% in 10 games played in 2020, missing just one assignment in 627 snaps. He also had 38 knockdown blocks and led the team with 167 blocks at the point of attack.

Kinnard, a Knoxville (TN) native, has played in 32 career games with 25 consecutive starts at tackle. He graded at 88% in 10 games this season with 40 knockdown blocks and 138 blocks at the point of attack.

Weaver, a redshirt freshman from Louisville (KY), played in nine games with one starting assignment. He made 33 tackles, is second on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss, and added two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. He was SEC Freshman of the Week in UK’s win at Tennessee with a career-high six tackles, including two TFL.

While it’s nice to see these four Cats made the list, it’s a shame linebacker Jamin Davis wasn’t included. He just enjoyed a breakout junior season with a team-high 89 tackles to go with 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown off a pick-six in the 34-7 win at Tennessee.