University of Kentucky running back A. J. Simon has been placed on scholarship, Coach Hal Mumme has announced.

Simon, a 5-11, 218-pound sophomore from Newport, Ky., has played in all 10 games for the Wildcats this season. Used as a blocker primarily, Simon has run the ball three times for 10 yards, caught one pass for one yard, and also completed a 21-yard pass on a fake punt. He also has seen extensive action on special teams.

“A. J. exemplifies the character, attitude, and dedication we look for on our team,” Mumme said. “He’s a great blocker, is extremely reliable from the standpoint that he rarely makes a mental mistake, and is a great special teams player.”

Although he has been at Kentucky only one season, Mumme already has placed four walk-ons on full scholarship, including Simon, punter Jimmy Carter, kicker Brian Johnson, and wide receiver Tyler Siddens.

Simon joined the Wildcats as a walk-on in the spring of 1996. He practiced with the team in the fall of 1996 and last spring before seeing his first game action in the ’97 campaign.

“I appreciate Coach Mumme doing this,” Simon said. “This is a big thing for me. I grew up a Kentucky fan – I had Kentucky wallpaper and a Kentucky bedspread — and I played in the same peewee league as (former UK linebacker) Marty Moore. Coming out of high school, I wanted to play Division I football. I’ve had a great time playing my role as a blocker and on special teams.”

Simon came to UK from Central Catholic High School in Newport. As a senior, he rushed for 1,349 yards, the second-highest single-season total in school history, and scored 19 touchdowns. He was the team’s Most Valuable Player and the leading rusher in the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference. He was named to the all-conference team, the Northern Kentucky Coaches Association all-star team, and honorable mention all-state.