Six Wildcats to Play in All-Star Games

Six Kentucky Wildcats have committed to play in upcoming post-season all-star games, including CB Kenneth Grant, RB Derek Homer, CB Eric Kelly, DE Matt Layow, LB Marlon McCree, and OG/OT Omar Smith.

Kelly, Layow, and McCree get the first call by playing Sat. Jan. 13 in the Rotary Gridiron Classic presented by Tyco. The Gridiron Classic will be played at 1 p.m. in the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando and will be televised by ESPN2.

Two all-star games will be held on Sat. Jan. 20. Smith will represent UK in the Delchamps Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The Senior Bowl begins at 1 p.m. EST and will be televised by ESPN.

At 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 20 will be the Hula Bowl All-Star Classic in Maui, Hawaii. Three Wildcats — Grant, Homer, and McCree will play in that game, which also is televised by ESPN.

Hanson Named to “All-Prodigal Sons” Team

Kentucky kicker Seth Hanson has been named to the “All-Prodigal Sons” Team by the Austin American-Statesman. The “All-Prodigal Sons” Team is comprised of native Texans who are playing their collegiate football outside the state of Texas.

Hanson made 15 of 17 field goals during the 2000 season. His 88.2 percent success rate ranked seventh in the nation and broke the single-season school record for field goal percentage. He made every attempt from within 35 yards and led the team in scoring with 68 points. He was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which goes to the nation’s best kicker.

Hanson, who played his high school football at Lake Highlands HS in Dallas, also has been successful off the field. He is president of UK’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a member of the 1999 National Good Works Team. Hanson was elected “Homecoming King” by the student body for the 2000 Homecoming celebration held in conjunction with the Mississippi State game.

The “All-Prodigal Sons” Team also included notables such as Purdue All-America quarterback Drew Brees and Notre Dame All-America linebacker Anthony Denman.