Abren Named to Freshman All-America Team: Nose tackle Ricky Abren has been named second-team Freshman All-America as chosen by Rivals.com.

Abren, a redshirt freshman from Hopkinsville, Ky., played in all 11 games this season and earned six starting assignments. He collected 26 tackles, led the team in quarterback hurries with five and tied for the team lead in fumbles caused with two. His top game came vs. Ohio when he had six tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks. He also tallied his first collegiate touchdown in the Tennessee game when he caught a tipped pass and returned it for a score.

Abren is the third Wildcat to garner Freshman All-America honors under Coach Rich Brooks. Defensive lineman Lamar Mills and linebacker Durrell White were freshman All-Americans in 2003.

Wilson to Give up Football: Because of multiple injury problems, junior cornerback Warren Wilson has chosen to give up his final season of eligibility.

During the off-season, Wilson will have another knee surgery on the same knee that has undergone prior surgeries. A pair of injuries allowed him to participate in only six games during the 2004 season.

Wilson, who came to UK from Texas City, Tex., would have been a fifth-year senior in 2005. A cornerback with outstanding potential, recurring injuries limited him to 21 games played during the 2001-04 seasons. His career totals feature 27 tackles and one pass breakup.

Wilson’s absence, along with starting cornerback Earven Flowers completing his eligibility, leaves the Wildcats with two corners who have seen significant game action, Antoine Huffman and Karl Booker. The coaching staff is hopeful that Bo Smith, a starting cornerback in 2003, will be able to return next year after missing the 2004 season because of injury.