Oct. 27, 2003

Thanks to his 80-yard punt return touchdown against Mississippi State, Kentucky kick returner Derek Abney has been named Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.

Trailing 17-14 in the third quarter, Abney’s touchdown return put the Wildcats ahead for good, 21-17. It was the sixth punt return TD of Abney’s career, breaking the SEC career record. It also was the eighth total kick return TD of his career (six punts, two kickoffs), tying the NCAA career record for total kick return TDs. Abney has broken or tied five NCAA records, nine SEC records, and 12 school records for kick returns.

Abney also caught four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Bulldogs. Abney, who is second in the nation in all-purpose yardage, totaled 212 all-purpose yards against MSU.

This marks the fourth time in his career that Abney has won the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week Award, including three times last season.

Kentucky players have won the honor twice in 2003. Punter Anthony Thornton was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance at Indiana.

– UK –