Dec. 10, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Quarterback Morgan Newton and offensive guard Larry Warford were chosen for the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team selected by league coaches.

Originally headed for a redshirt season, Newton started the last seven games after Mike Hartline sustained a knee injury at South Carolina on Oct. 10.  Newton guided the Wildcats to a 5-2 record in his starting assignments, including SEC road wins at Auburn, Vanderbilt and Georgia. 

Newton completed 62 of 112 passes (55.4 percent) for 608 yards and five touchdowns.  He also rushed for 93 net yards and two TDs.    He was named SEC Freshman of the Week after completing 20 of 29 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky.  Another top game came in the upset at Georgia, as he hit 9 of 17 passes for 137 yards and three TDs.

Warford played in nine games, seeing signification action as a reserve offensive guard and on special teams.  He earned more playing time as the season progressed.  The offensive line helped power UK to 193.2 rushing yards per game, the team’s best mark in 14 years.  UK ranks in the nation’s top 25 teams in rushing offense, fewest quarterback sacks allowed and fewest tackles for loss allowed.