Dec. 4, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky’s Jimmy Heggins has been named a finalist for National Offensive Line Coach of the Year by FootballScoop.com.
Heggins is one of three finalists and fans can vote for him online.
Here’s what was written about Heggins’ performance by FootballScoop:
“Kentucky offensive line coach Jimmy Heggins developed a consistent experienced group of linemen that helped the Wildcats average 193 yards per game rushing, the highest at Kentucky since 1993. Without starting quarterback Mike Hartline for most of the season, the Wildcats turned to freshman Morgan Newton and operated out of the “Wildcat Formation” in several different ways. The Cats fought their way to 7 wins and are bowl eligible once again. Under Heggins, the offensive line allowed just 1.25 sacks per game (24th best in the nation) and ran the ball effectively against Alabama. The front five received praise from head coach Rich Brooks frequently this season for their improvement.
“19th nationally – Rushing Offense (193 yards per game)
24th nationally – Fewest Sacks Allowed (1.25 per game)”
Kovach is UK’s SEC Legend for 2009: Dr. Jim Kovach, the leading tackler in Kentucky football history, will be UK’s Southeastern Conference Legend during the SEC Championship Game weekend on Dec. 4-5 in Atlanta, Ga.
Kovach will be honored at the annual SEC Legends Dinner on Friday and will be introduced during the championship game on Saturday.
Kovach played at UK in 1974-76 and ’78. He was a three-time All-SEC linebacker while helping lead the Wildcats to the 1976 SEC championship. He earned Academic All-America honors and his 521 career tackles still rank No. 1 in school UK history. Kovach played in the National Football League with the New Orleans Saints and was chosen to the All-Saints’ 20th Anniversary Team. During the NFL off-seasons, he earned his medical degree at UK and he added a law degree from Stanford University.
Currently, Kovach is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Buck Institute, the only independent research institute dedicated to delaying the aging process and preventing chronic age-associated disease. Kovach, and the potential impact his work could have on athletes, were profiled recently in ESPN The Magazine. Kovach also is featured in a recent New York Times article on the study of concussions.
