Barion Brown makes AP All-Bowl Team as kick returner

After bringing back a kick return 102 yards for a touchdown in the Gator Bowl late last month, Kentucky football’s Barion Brown earned some high praise.

The Associated Press tabbed Brown to its All-Bowl Team as a kick returner. Brown’s 102-yard score, which happened on the opening play of the second half, was the longest in the history of the Gator Bowl, which dates back to 1946. It was his FBS-leading third kickoff return for a touchdown in the 2023 season and the fourth of his career.

If Brown can return one more kickoff for a touchdown in his junior season, he’ll be the SEC’s all-time career leader in that category. He’s currently tied with seven other players at four.

Although his performance came in a tough 38-35 loss to Clemson, Brown became just the second player in Kentucky history to finish with a rushing, receiving, and kickoff return touchdown in a single game.

All-purpose playmaker @BarionBrown was named to the @AP_Sports All-Bowl Team as a kick returner.https://t.co/nk9vMUtGlb

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) January 19, 2024

Brown, who just capped off his sophomore campaign in Lexington, earned several awards at the conclusion of the season. In addition to the All-Bowl Team, the Nashville native also took home All-American honors from Sporting News (First-Team), 247 Sports (Second-Team), CBS Sports (Second-Team), and College Football Network (Third-Team). Brown also earned First-Team All-SEC honors by Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus while the league’s coaches and the AP named him Second-Team All-SEC.

During 2023, Brown led the Wildcats in pass receptions with 43, which he turned into 539 yards and four touchdowns. His 36-yard kick return average led the country and set a new Kentucky single-season record. He’s caught a least one pass in all 26 games he played in as a ‘Cat.