Nov. 28, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky senior punter Ryan Tydlacka has been named the Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his solid performance in Kentucky’s historic win against Tennessee last Saturday, the league office announced Monday.

Tydlacka was a vital part of Kentucky’s success last Saturday, flipping field position the entire game to help keep the UT offense backed up. The senior from Louisville, Ky., punted nine times Saturday for an average of 43.6 yards. His excellent punt placement and hangtime did now allow Tennessee to return a punt the entire game.  Tydlacka’s efforts included a 60-yard punt and Tennessee did not begin a drive outside its own 30-yard line during the entire game.

The senior finishes the season with 79 punts for an average of 43.6 yards and 19 punts inside the other team’s 20-yard line. Tydlacka ranks second in the SEC and 17th in the nation in punting, while Kentucky ranks second in the conference and 13th in the nation in net punting.

Tydlacka was named Mid-Season All-America honorable mention and Mid-Season All-SEC third team by Phil Steele’s College Football, while being named honorable mention punter of the week by the College Football Performance Awards a total of five times this season.