MikieBenton

His progress was one of the pleasant developments of the 2011 season … Moved from cornerback to safety during the spring of 2011 and ended up leading the team in pass breakups … Came to UK as a walk-on and began getting playing time in 2010 at cornerback and on special teams … In May, took part in an educational/service trip to Ethiopia … Has played in 20 games, including 12 starts.

2011 (Junior): Started all 12 games … Led the team in pass breakups with seven, including a career-high two at LSU … Totaled 28 tackles with a career-high six at South Carolina.

2010 (Sophomore): Played in eight games, giving UK depth at cornerback.

2009 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see game action … Scout Team Player of the Week twice during the season, prior to UK’s wins over Louisville and Georgia.

2008 (Freshman): Redshirted … Scout Team Player of the Week for special teams in preparation for the win over Arkansas.

High School: Two-way starter for three seasons at Russellville High School … Played multiple offensive back positions and roamed the defensive backfield as a cornerback and free safety … First-team Sky Conference defensive back as a senior after honorable-mention conference honors as a junior … Selected to Kentucky’s East/West All-Star Game … Totaled 38 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a senior … As a running back, gained 749 yards on 76 carries scoring 14 touchdowns … At quarterback, completed 37 of 76 attempts through the air for 852 yards and 14 touchdowns … Coached by John Meyers … A four-year letterman on the track team, competing in the 110-meter hurdles and triple jump and holds the school record for each event … Back-to-back Kentucky state champion in 110-meter hurdles in 2007 and 2008 … State runner-up in the triple jump as a senior … Also played basketball for three seasons at shooting guard and small forward … In the classroom earned the 2007 President’s Award for Academic Excellence and was named Academic All-State during his final two years … Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the school’s peer mentor group … Chose Kentucky over Notre Dame and Western Kentucky track and field scholarship offers.

Personal: Born in Russellville, Ky. … Son of Michael and Bettye Benton … Major is agricultural economics.

Community Cats: Participated in the Relay for Life and the Christian Appalachian Project for Pike County (2010) … Visited patients at the Veterans Administration Hospital and helped at the Big Blue U Move-in (2011) … Volunteered for events with God’s Pantry and Read Across America (2012).