Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky's Edwards Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Kentucky Football Sophomore Safety Mike Edwards Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after Leading Cats with 2 Interceptions in Upset Win Over Louisville

Sep 10, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats safety Mike Edwards (27) defends during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky Football sophomore safety Mike Edwards was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week following the Cats’ electrifying upset victory over 11th ranked Louisville. On the day, Johnson recorded two pivotal interceptions of Heisman candidate Lamar Jackson, leading to key points and hanging on to the win.

In the third quarter, Edwards got his first pick of the day, which led to Kentucky points. On the ensuring possession, Kentucky quarterback Stephen Johnson hit Dorian Baker on a 35-yard touchdown pass to put Kentucky ahead 38-31 midway through the fourth quarter. Then on the final play of the game, Edwards again intercepted a desperate heave by Jackson, sealing the win for the Cats.

Edwards’ two interceptions on the day ties records for most interceptions in a game and a career in history of the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry. Edwards now has three interceptions on the season and four for his career at Kentucky.

Edwards was also big on defense helping to reign in the dynamic Jackson on the run, as well as the rest of the high-powered Louisville offense. Edwards recorded six tackles on the day and also was credited for on-half quarterback sack.

Want your voice heard? Join the Wildcat Blue Nation team!

For the season, Edwards finishes with eight pass breakups and 93 total tackles (4.5 for loss), second only to fellow sophomore, and tackling machine, Jordan Jones, a good sign that this defense will continue to improve under head coach Mark Stoops.