Linebacker Braxton Kelley has been named second-team Freshman All-America by Rivals.com, marking the third-consecutive year that one of Coach Rich Brooks? Wildcats has earned a national freshman honor.

Kelley totaled 44 tackles this season, including two for loss, caused one fumble and had one pass breakup. He had a season-high of 11 tackles against Florida, including a quarterback sack. He started the first seven games of the season, and was leading all Southeastern Conference freshmen in tackles, before sustaining a season-ending knee injury against Mississippi State. When Kelley started vs. Louisville, he was the first UK freshman to start a season opener at linebacker, based on lineups available since 1993.

Barring an unexpected setback, Kelley should be fully ready to resume practice in August. His level of participation in spring practice is uncertain at this time.

Coach Brooks has had at least one Freshman All-American in each of his three seasons at Kentucky. In 2003, defensive tackle Lamar Mills was first-team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News and then-linebacker Durrell White was a third-team choice by the same publication. Defensive tackle Ricky Abren was tabbed second-team Freshman All-America in 2004 by Rivals.com.