Ty Bryant Named to Coaches All-SEC Second Team
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Junior defensive back Ty Bryant was selected to the Coaches All-Southeastern Conference Second Team, it was announced today.
Bryant, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, started in all 12 games for the Wildcats, leading the team in total tackles (76) and interceptions (4). He also led the SEC in interceptions and ranked 24th nationally in that category. He added 2.0 tackles for loss and a pass breakup in his stellar season, and his versatility, boosted by his baseball background, also made him one of UK’s primary punt returners. He finished the season with a team-high seven punt returns for 36 yards.
In Kentucky’s conference opener vs. No. 20/14 Ole Miss on Sept. 6, Bryant picked off two Austin Simmons’ throws, becoming the first player to chart two interceptions in an SEC home game since Anthony Wajda in 1999 vs. LSU. On Ole Miss’s third drive, he returned the pick 11 yards to the Rebels’ 21-yard line, which set up a Kentucky touchdown drive. On Ole Miss’s fourth drive, he returned the interception 14 yards to the Rebels’ 32, again setting up a Kentucky field goal.
Bryant got his third interception of the season in the win over Florida, and it set up a 39-yard field goal by kicker Jacob Kauwe.
His fourth pick of the season came at No. 12/13 Vanderbilt late in the fourth quarter. He intercepted Diego Pavia’s pass and returned it 28 yards.
In his three-year career, Bryant has totaled 162 tackles, including 4.0 tackles for loss. He also has five career interceptions, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
Off the field, Bryant is a leader. He was elected one of four team captains vs. Toledo, South Carolina and at Vanderbilt, and the communications major serves on UK’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
