Kentucky's Jordan Wright, Dane Key win SEC Player of the Week awards
Two Kentucky Wildcats have earned recognition from the league for their performances in the win vs. Florida. Jordan Wright was named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week and Dane Key Freshman of the Week.
Wright, who shares the award with Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, totaled six tackles, a quarterback sack, a tackle for loss, a fumble, and an interception in the 26-16 win over the Gators. His interception changed the game. The Cats were trailing 16-7 late in the second quarter when Wright nabbed Anthony Richardson’s pass with one hand and took it to the Florida six-yard line. From there, the Cats scored to pull within three.
Florida did not score the rest of the game, with Kentucky’s defense holding the Gators to only five first downs and 91 total yards in the second half. Wright was only cleared to return to competition by the NCAA on Thursday.
“It was very important,” Mark Stoops said of having Wright back. “I think Jordan, we talk about the experience he has, the length he has on the edge. That energy that he brings, you know, the experience, it was really good having him back.”
On the other side of the ball, Dane Key was sensational in his second game as a Wildcat. Key caught three passes for a game-high 83 yards and a touchdown. His 55-yard touchdown grab was the longest play of his young career and put Kentucky up 7-3 in the second quarter. Last week, Key had four catches for 53 yards and a touchdown vs. Miami (OH). He’s the first Kentucky freshman to catch a touchdown in each of his first two games.
Kentucky players have now won league awards in back-to-back weeks. Last week, Barion Brown won Special Teams Player of the Week for his 100-yard kick return for a touchdown vs. Miami (OH).
SEC Players of the Week – Sept. 12
- Offensive: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
- Defensive: Jordan Wright, LB, Kentucky; Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
- Special Teams: Will Reichard, PK, Alabama
- Freshman: Dane Key, WR, Kentucky
- Offensive Line: LaQuinston Sharp, C, Mississippi State; Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
- Defensive Line: Byron Young, DE, Tennessee
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