All-UK Team: Claiborne to Stoops

For those that reference a Twitter timeline as a historical benchmark, I feel responsible to provide an objective Kentucky Football perspective. Social media has significantly skewed the definition of “great” and its first cousin, “best.” I thought it would be fun to dig into recent history and construct an All UK Team from 1983-2015 -- or from the Jerry Claiborne era forward.

*****

OFFENSE

QB, Tim Couch: After being preposterously used as an option quarterback, Tim historically flourished under Hal Mumme.  Debatably Kentucky’s G.O.A.T.

WR, Randall Cobb: One question I’ll go to the grave asking, why in Hades did Cobb not get the ball against Tennessee?

WR, Craig Yeast: Made YAC (yards after catch) a cool late 90’s catch phrase. 

TE, Jacob Tamme: A fierce competitor, Cats haven’t had a TE since.

OT, Antonio Hall: The piano playing Renaissance man was a nasty Tackle between the chalks.

OT, Todd Perry: Prior to Larry Warford, Todd was the last Wildcat OL drafted for way too many years.  Was a long-time pro.

C, Jon Toth: One of two current players on the list, Toth was my 2014 Offensive MVP. 

OG, Dermontti Dawson: The Pro Football Hall of Famer is one of, if not the, greatest Center in NFL history.  But, Dawson actually played Guard at Kentucky.

OG, Larry Warford: NFL All Rookie team and one of the best in the business. 

FB, Andy Murray: Led the team and SEC in knock-down blocks.  To my knowledge, Murray is the only UK FB with a 100 yard rushing game.

RB, Moe Williams: 429 total yards against South Carolina.  299 yards rushing, 57 receiving, and 73 from kick-off returns. Have a day Moe.

RB, Mark Higgs: Electric RB with an remarkable highlight reel. Quick starting, long striding runner with surprising power.

*****

DEFENSE

DE, Bud Dupree: Bud had to be on the team, but at what position was the question. The current Steeler was the 22^nd player selected in the 2015 NFL Draft.

DE, Dennis Johnson: One of only two nationally top ranked high school players to ever sign with the Wildcats.  Played his first varsity football game as a 2^nd grader.

DL, Oliver Barnett: Ollie’s 26 year reign as UK’s all-time sack leader was threatened but not surpassed by Bud Dupree. 

DL, Jeremy Jarmon: Robbed of his last season, Jeremy’s personality was Karl Anthony Towns like but he was a relentless pass rusher on Saturdays.

DL, Corey Peters: Louisville Central star quickly developed into a run stopping DT with pass rush ability.  A rare and valuable combination.

LB, Chris Chenault: 482 tackles with a single game mark of 28 against Vanderbilt.

LB, Marty Moore: Moose was a beast. Every time I see Marty I try on his Super Bowl ring.

LB, Wesley Woodyard: Cerebral competitor, the Tennessee Titan can still be seen playing the game he dearly loves on Sundays. Arguably the best Wildcat leader in 30 years. 

CB, Trevard Lindley: Great hips and instinct that translated into game day interceptions. Will never forget the sunny Tuscaloosa afternoon match-up between Trevard Lindley and Julio Jones.

CB, David (DJ) Johnson: The Louisville Male product was a lock-down CB that enjoyed a successful NFL career.  Had crazy yet superb hair if you care to research.

S, Melvin Johnson: There have been hard hitting DB’s at UK and then there’s the face mask bending Melvin Johnson. Only scout team player I ever feared. Physical, brutal hitter.

S, Paul Calhoun: Third team All American Safety and Punter. Safe to say that feat may never be repeated.

*****

SPECIALISTS

K, Austin MacGinnis: Nearly broke all Kentucky kicking records, Austin will be called upon to keep the Cats in games this fall.    

P, Tim Masthay: Current Green Bay Packer was a much watch in warm-ups.  Clutch player.

KR, Derrick Abney: A threat to score on every return, Abney was a field position changer with TD threat.

So there you have my team.  I’m fairly certain some will agree, others won’t.  Would be interested in feedback.