Five Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Derek Abney, offensive tackle Antonio Hall, quarterback Jared Lorenzen, defensivetackle Dewayne Robertson, and running back Chad Scott have been chosen for the Freshman All-SEC Team selected by theKnoxville News-Sentinel, and Lorenzen was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Year.
Five players is the most for Kentucky since the News-Sentinel instituted the Freshman All-SEC Team in 1986. Lorenzen isCo-Freshman of the Year along with Florida wide receiver Jabar Gaffney. Lorenzen completed 321 of 559 passes for 3,687 yardsand 19 touchdowns. He broke five NCAA records for passing and total offense by a freshman completions, attempts, passingyardage, total offensive yardage (3,827) and total offensive plays (635). He ranks second nationally in total offense and passingyardage. He showed excellent agility in running the football, netting 140 yards and scoring five touchdowns.
Abney caught 40 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns. He played very consistently, with at least two catches in each ofthe last 10 games. His best game came in the win over South Florida, when he caught five passes for 62 yards and twotouchdowns. His longest play of the season was a 50-yard touchdown at Mississippi.
Hall started every game at right tackle, protecting the “blind side” of lefthanded quarterback Jared Lorenzen, and was a key factor inUK’s improved offensive line play. Kentucky led the SEC in total offense with 445 yards per game. The Wildcats gave up only 22quarterback sacks fewest in the Hal Mumme era compared to 52 sacks a year ago. Kentucky’s rushing offense was up 35 yardsper game from the 1999 season.
Robertson started every game at defensive tackle, showing remarkable quickness for a player his size and a knack forpenetrating the offensive line. He made 40 tackles on the season, including 13.5 tackles for loss. He tied for the team lead in fumblescaused with three. He was the hero of the Indiana game, causing two fumbles, both of which resulted in Wildcat TDs. He alsointercepted a pass against Mississippi State.
Scott scooted for 872 rushing and receiving yards this season, more than any freshman in the Southeastern Conference. He ledthe team in rushing with 611 yards, averaging 4.7 per attempt, and scored four touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 261yards. He had a pair of 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 119 yards against Mississippi State. He totaled 170 yardsagainst South Carolina, 85 rushing and 85 receiving.
UK freshmen also have been garnering national honors. Hall was chosen first-team True Freshman All-America byRivals.com. Hall and Scott were picked third-team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News.
