Dec. 16, 2002

Abney Named to ESPN.com All-America Team: Kentucky junior Derek Abney has been named to the ESPN.com All-America team as a kick returner.

Abney returned six kicks for touchdowns this season and broke or tied four NCAA records, nine Southeastern Conference records and 10 school records for kick returns. He averaged 15.1 yards per punt return, including four touchdowns (at Florida, at Arkansas, two at Mississippi State). He averaged 26.8 yards on kickoff returns with touchdowns at Florida and vs. Vanderbilt. He became only the seventh player in NCAA history to return a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in the same game when he did it against Florida in “The Swamp.” He is the only player who ranks in the nation’s top 11 in punt returns, kickoff returns, and all-purpose yardage.

Abney also is a quality wide receiver. He caught 40 passes for 569 yards and four touchdowns this season and ranks third in school history in pass receptions and pass receiving yardage.

In addition, Abney has been chosen first-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, CBSSportsLine.com, and CNNSI.com. Abney is the first Wildcat to earn first-team All-America honors as a return specialist. He has been a consensus All-SEC selection.

Kentucky Football Calendar

Wed. Dec. 18 – Junior college signing period begins
Wed. Feb. 5 – High school signing period begins
Mon. March 31 – Spring practice begins
Sat. Apr. 26 – Blue/White Spring Football Game
July 29-31 – SEC Football Media Days; Kentucky appearance is Tue. July 29
Mon. Aug. 4 – Newcomers report
Thu. Aug. 7 – Veterans report
Fri. Aug. 8 – Kentucky Football Media Day
Sat. Aug. 30 – Louisville at Kentucky