Oct 25, 2003

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky’s Derek Abney tied the NCAA career record for kick return touchdowns with an 80-yard punt return in the third quarter against Mississippi State on Saturday.

Abney, who broke or tied five NCAA and nine Southeastern Conference records for kick returns last season, has returned eight kicks for touchdowns – six punts and two kickoffs – in his career.

Abney tied the NCAA career record for total kick return touchdowns held by Cliff Branch of Colorado (1970-71) and Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska (1970-72).

Abney also set an SEC record with his seventh punt return for a score. He had been tied with Lee Nailey of Vanderbilt.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior already held the SEC record for career kick returns for touchdowns.

Last season, Abney set an NCAA record with six kick returns for touchdowns – four punts and two kickoffs. He set another NCAA record with 1,348 total return yards.