Kentucky’s Kenny Darby Named Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award Semifinalist

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky freshman wide receiver Kenny Darby has been named one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football, it was announced Wednesday by the Maxwell Football Club. The 9th annual award will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards.

Darby, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder from Bossier City, Louisiana, has dazzled in his first collegiate season. He has been named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week three times (South Carolina, LSU and Vanderbilt games) as part of a sensational first season for Darby through eight games. He has caught 38 passes this season, most by a UK freshman through eight games in school history. His 507 receiving yards leads the team, ranks 10th in the conference and 69th nationally. Among freshmen, Darby leads the SEC and ranks sixth nationally with 507 receiving yards.

The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is all about championing future legends and evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.

The No. 8/7 Wildcats (7-1, 5-1 SEC) return to the field Nov. 7 at No. 16/16 Tennessee at 6:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.