Sept. 23, 2003

Three Cats In National Top 10 in Defensive Statistics: Three Kentucky Wildcats, defensive end Vincent “Sweet Pea” Burns, linebacker Deion Holts, and free safety Muhammad Abdullah, rank in the nation’s top 10 in defensive statistics released by the NCAA.

Burns is third in the nation in tackles for loss. He has 10.5 TFL this season, an average of 2.67 per game. He has an active streak of 10 consecutive games with at least one tackle for loss.

Abdullah is tied for sixth nationally in interceptions. He has three pickoffs, one each against Louisville, Murray State, and Indiana, an average of 0.75 per game.

Buoyed by his career-high three sacks in Saturday’s win at Indiana, linebacker Deion Holts ranks seventh in the nation in quarterback sacks. Holts has 4.5 sacks this season, an average of 1.17 per game.

In the Southeastern Conference, Burns and Abdullah lead the league in their categories while Holts is second.

Daniel Burnett on SEC Good Works Team: Junior center Daniel Burnett will be featured as the SEC Good Works Team Player of the Week on Saturday’s Jefferson-Pilot Sports telecast of the Florida-Kentucky contest.

Burnett has been very active in the “Cats That Care” service program during his years as a Wildcat. He has participated in the Cats Cultivating Character at Russell Cave Elementary School, a program that provides character-building lessons for elementary school children.

Burnett, a product of Lexington’s Dunbar High School, has served as a mentor and guest reader at local elementary schools, been a guest speaker at various civic functions, served meals and played bingo at local children’s hospitals and retirement centers.