Two Wildcats named Midseason AP All-Americans

Kentucky has reached the bye week with a 5-2 (2-2) record. Mark Stoops‘ 11th team in Lexington still has plenty to prove with five power conference games remaining on the schedule. The passing game needs to make some significant strides and the defense must return to form after allowing 89 total points over the last two weeks. There is a lot to fix over at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility.

But there was some good flashed in the first seven games of the season. At the midway point, tailback Ray Davis and cornerback Maxwell Hairston are receiving some recognition for a strong start to the season. Each was named to the AP Midseason All-American team on Wednesday.

Davis leads the SEC in in rushing yards (781), rushing touchdowns (eight), rushes of 20-plus yards (eight), and rushes of 30-plus yards (six). Through four league games, Davis has posted 545 yards on 7.0 yards per rush with five rushing touchdowns. The 216-pound tailback also has added three receiving touchdowns in that time. The Vanderbilt transfer is having a banner season in Lexington.

The same can be said for redshirt sophomore cornerback Maxwell Hairston.

The class of 2021 signee leads the Kentucky defense in tackles (44) and leads college football in interceptions (five). Hairston has also chipped in three pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Opposing passing games have been looking to attack the first-time starter and Hairston has made them pay with some high-level ball production.

Kentucky has much to prove after the bye week with a huge home contest against Tennessee awaiting the Wildcats. However, this team does have some individual All-American star power. Will that star power turn into more wins? We’ll have to wait and find out.