Jan. 13, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky linebacker Johnny Williams has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 17 in Houston.

Williams will be playing in the 84th edition of the nation’s oldest all-star game. The contest is nicknamed “Football’s Finest Hour,” as it benefits the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children across the country, including the Shriners Hospital in Lexington.

The game will kick off on Saturday at 4 p.m. EST in Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston and will be televised by ESPN2. Williams will wear uniform No. 51 for the East team.

Williams was a three-year starter for the Wildcats at strongside linebacker, helping the Wildcats to three-straight winning seasons and bowl victories. He totaled 131 tackles in his career, including 13 tackles for loss, five quarterback sacks, four fumbles caused and one fumble recovery. He had 39 tackles during his senior season and led the team in sacks with five.

Williams, who is from Jacksonville, Fla., is the 27th Wildcat player or coach selected for the Shrine Game. The last Wildcat to participate was offensive tackle Antonio Hall following his senior season in 2003.

UK Bowl Win Featured on SEC-TV: Kentucky’s 25-19 win over East Carolina in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be featured during the weekly edition of “SEC-TV.”

Co-hosted by Natalie Taylor and Dave “One Take” Neal, the show will air Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. EST on Fox Sports South, Fox Sports Carolinas and Fox Sports Tennessee.