Kentucky Football picks up notable All-SEC buzz ahead of Will Stein's debut in Lexington

It's difficult to place a firm overall expectation on Will Stein's first season at Kentucky, but on an individual level, the benchmarks become clearer. Prior to kickoff at Kroger Field next month, three Wildcats have already been named to Pro Football Network's preseason All-SEC squad. This is a trio to look out for with representation on both sides of the ball.

Most notable among the group is returning safety Ty Bryant. Bryan had a breakout year in Lexington last season, hauling in a career-high four interceptions. Even as Kentucky Football began to slip in Mark Stoops' final effort, Bryant only improved in the secondary. Having him back is crucial.

In addition to Bryant, defensive lineman Tavion Gadson and offensive lineman Coleton Price also earned second-team nods. Gadson is a returner like Bryant, whereas Price is a newcomer set to lead the revival of the Big Blue Wall under Coach Stein.

Gadson leveled 2.5 sacks in his most recent campaign as a Wildcat, assisting Bryant on Brad White's defense as another primary method of destruction. The two operating together within an expectedly much more confident unit should make play-caller Jay Bateman's first season easier than most.

Price, on the other hand, made the top five of PFF's returning college centers back in March. During all of last season with the Baylor Bears, Price allowed just one sack. One sack, all season long. Kentucky has the pieces in place to come out swinging in the SEC.

Kentucky Has the Tools to Deal Some Serious Damage in the SEC

It's difficult for any program to succeed out of the gates with a new hire. That often comes down to the lack of continuity between coaches; players leave with their old leader, graduate, or simply would rather not suffer the growing pains that inherently come with a rebuild.

But in retaining proven assets like Bryant and Gadson, as well as adding Price early in the offseason, Stein may have managed to get ahead of this struggle. The ceiling of his team will heavily depend on Kenny Minchey under center, but the Wildcats have important boxes checked around their quarterback.

It's almsot like Kentucky had their cake and ate it too this offseason. Overhaul your staff entirely whilst also bringing in a quarterback that likely would have started on any one of the last four Cats teams, at least? Present that to any Kentucky fans prior to Stein's hire, and nobody is turning you down.

The conference is sure to present ample competition for these All-SEC candidates as well as any others that arise. All the same, preseason recognition like this gives Cats fans another reason to get fired up ahead of Stein's debut.

We'll take all the hype we can get coming off of last season's abysmal finish. What a turnaround so far.

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