LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky wide receiver Kio Sanford’s 87-yard catch-and-run touchdown vs. Tennessee is a finalist for the annual “ESPY Awards” on ESPN in the category of College Football Play of the Year.

The play occurred Nov. 22 in the Wildcats’ season finale at Commonwealth Stadium. With Kentucky trailing 17-7 in the second quarter and the ball on the UK 13-yard line, Sanford’s jaunt began by catching a short pass from Tim Couch in the right flat. Sanford nimbly eluded four tacklers, then broke into the clear at the Wildcat 21. He raced diagonally across the field toward the south end zone, broke another tackle at the five-yard line, and dove into the end zone for the touchdown.

The 87-yard pass play is the second-longest in school history. The electrifying effort helped Sanford have his best day as a Wildcat as he caught nine passes for 147 yards and one touchdown against the eventual Southeastern Conference champions.

Fans may vote for Sanford at ESPN’s internet site, www.ESPN.SportsZone.com. The other three finalists are: Matt Davison’s game-winning touchdown catch for Nebraska vs. Missouri; a touchdown reception by Randy Moss of Marshall; and an acrobatic interception by Michigan’s Charles Woodson.

Although the season is over, Sanford continues to be a busy man on the football field. He caught two passes for the winning Gray team on Christmas Day in the Kelly Tires Blue-Gray Classic all-star game. Sanford returns to all-star action on Sat. Jan. 17 in the Delchamps Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Game time is 2:30 p.m. EST and the Senior Bowl will be televised by WTBS.