Six Kentucky Wildcats were named to the preseason All-Southeastern Conference team, selected by league coaches, that was released Thursday by the league office.
No Wildcats were chosen for the first team, but two were selected to the second team and four tabbed for the third team.
UK?s second-team selections featured junior Rafael Little as both a running back and kick returner, along with junior tight end Jacob Tamme. Little rushed for 1,045 yards and nine touchdowns last season, caught 46 passes for 449 yards, averaged 16.9 yards per punt return, and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He led the SEC in punt returns and all-purpose yardage, ranking fifth in the nation in both categories. Tamme caught 29 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown.
Third-team picks included junior linebacker Wesley Woodyard, junior strong safety Roger Williams, senior offensive guard Michael Aitcheson, and sophomore offensive tackle Aaron Miller. Woodyard led the team last season with 100 tackles (also fourth in the SEC in tackles per game), seven tackles for loss, and four fumble recoveries. Williams was third on the team with 69 tackles while adding two pass breakups, one interception, and causing two fumbles. Miller is an intriguing selection, as he did not play last season for personal reasons, but the SEC coaches obviously recalled his performance from the 2004 campaign.
Wildcats in the CFL: Five former Kentucky Wildcats are playing in the Canadian Football League, which has begun the 2006 season.
Anwar Stewart, defensive end (UK 1996-97, ?99), Montreal Alouettes. Stewart is in his sixth season in the league and was the CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the 2004 season. Craig Yeast, wide receiver (UK 1995-98), Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Yeast is in his fourth season in the CFL after spending three years in the NFL. Quentin McCord, wide receiver (UK 1996, 1998-2000), Winnipeg Blue Bombers. McCord is in his first year playing in Canada after playing three seasons in the NFL. Alexis Bwenge, running back (UK 2002-05), British Columbia Lions. First season in the CFL. Raymond Fontaine, linebacker (UK 2002-05), Toronto Argonauts. First season in the CFL.
Kentucky Football Calendar:
Wed. July 26 – Kentucky at SEC Media Days in Birmingham; UK represented by Coach Rich Brooks, WR Keenan Burton and LB Wesley Woodyard
Fri. July 28 – Kickoff Luncheon at Radisson Hotel in Lexington; individual tickets are $40 each and are available by calling Jennifer LeMaster at 257-2514
Sat. July 29 – UK Women?s Football Clinic at Nutter Field House; cost is $50 per person, call UK football office at 257-3611
Wed. Aug. 2 – Governor?s Cup luncheon, news conference, and golf outing at University Club of Lexington
Fri. Aug. 4 – Players report
Sat. Aug. 5 – UK Media Day at Commonwealth Stadium; first team practice
Sat. Aug. 12 – Fans? Day; time and details TBA
