Aug. 19, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senior linebacker Micah Johnson and senior cornerback Trevard Lindley have been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate defensive player. The honor is sponsored by Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte (N.C.) Touchdown Club.

Johnson earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2008 as chosen by league coaches. His accomplishments included:

• 93 tackles last season and would have been well over 100 stops had he not missed two and one-half games because of injury.
• 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, leading the team in that category.
• He ranked third in the SEC in tackles per game.
• He led the team in tackles in eight of the 11 games in which he played.
• He had four double-digit tackling efforts, including a career-high 15 stops in the win over Arkansas.

Lindley totaled four interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2008, leading the Southeastern Conference in passes defended per game. He was a consensus first-team All-SEC pick and a second-team All-America choice by two selectors.

Lindley’s outstanding play has been equaled by his consistency. He has started all 39 games over the last three seasons, helping lead the Wildcats to three consecutive winning seasons and bowl championships. He has nine career interceptions and already owns the UK career record for pass breakups with 34.

Big plays also have been a hallmark of his career. Six of his nine interceptions have been key plays in UK victories and a seventh pick helped send a game into overtime. He has two touchdowns as a collegian, an interception return and fumble return for scores.

Johnson (Ft. Campbell, Ky.) and Lindley (Hiram, N.C.) considered entering the 2009 National League Draft, but decided to return for their senior seasons.

Lindley is on the watch list for three national honors, the Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik (best defensive player) and Jim Thorpe (best defensive back) awards. Johnson is on the watch list for the Nagurski and Lombardi (best lineman/linebacker) awards.

Adams Lands at Lambuth: Former Wildcat E.J. Adams has transferred to Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., for his final season of eligibility in 2009.

Adams played cornerback at Kentucky in the 2006-07 seasons, totaling 23 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. He played wide receiver in ’08, catching 14 passes for 180 yards. He left the team in June for personal reasons.