Five Kentucky football players were named to a Preseason All-SEC Coaches Team on Thursday afternoon, headlined by three players named to the First-Team.

Junior running back Benny Snell, senior linebacker Josh Allen and senior safety Mike Edwards were the three Kentucky players to appear on the Preseason All-SEC First-Team voted by league coaches. C.J. Conrad and Lynn Bowden were the other two players to be recognized, both of which appeared on the third team.

Snell was also named to the Preseason All-SEC First-Team voted on my media in July, while Allen and Edwards were named to the second team.

Thursday’s recognition continues the preseason hype Snell has received leading off to the season opener next weekend. Snell also named to the Preseason All-SEC First-Team by Athlon Sports, and he was included on three preseason award watch lists, including the Maxwell Award, which is given to college football’s top player annually.

Snell is coming off a season where he rushed for 1,333 yards and 19 touchdowns, which is a school record. 

Allen and Edwards have received their fair share of preseason hype, with both players landing on various preseason award watch lists. Both Allen and Edwards are being considered for the Bednarik Award, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player.

Edwards is also being considered for the Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s best defensive player).

Bowden appeared on the Preseason All-SEC Third-Team twice, one on the offense for all-purpose player and the other being on special teams for return specialist with Arkansas’ DeVion Warren.

Bowden is also on the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List, which is given to college football’s most versatile player. Bowden set three UK freshman records last season, all of which were on special teams.

Conrad landed on the Preseason All-SEC Third-Team, which was the same team he appeared on for the media’s preseason poll. Conrad’s previous season was cut short due to a foot injury, but he still finished second on the team in receiving yards last season. 

Conrad is being considered for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight ends. Conrad is also on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which was the award Courtney Love won last season for excellent community service.

Georgia led the SEC with 12 players being named to the list with Alabama finishing right behind the Bulldogs with 10. Georgia had two players named to the First Team, both of which were defensive backs.