SEC announces awards following Week 2 of college football

Following an exciting Week 2 of college football that saw a few teams open conference play, the SEC announced its weekly awards. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker took home Offensive Player of the Week, while Kentucky linebacker Jordan Wright and Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders were named Co-Defensive Players of the Week

Hooker helped lead the Volunteers to a 34-27 overtime victory against No. 17 Pittsburgh, finishing 27-of-42 passing for 325 yards and two touchdowns. That included the game-winning 28-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman. Dating back to last season, Hooker has now gone the past five games without throwing an interception and broke the school record for most consecutive passing attempts without a pick (167).

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Wright delivered one of the most important plays of the game in the Wildcats’ 26-16 win over No. 12 Florida. With Kentucky trailing 16-7 late in the second quarter, he made a one-handed interception and returned it to the Florida six-yard line, setting up a UK touchdown that swung the momentum in favor of the Wildcats. Kentucky shutout the Gators and held them to just 91 yards from that point on as Wright finished with six tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception.

Sanders, a transfer from Alabama, stuffed the stat sheet as the Razorbacks opened SEC play with a 44-30 victory against South Carolina. He logged career highs in tackles (11), tackles for loss (three) and sacks (two) while also tying a school record with two forced fumbles. He is just the second SEC defender since 2000 to record at least 10 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles all in the same game.

Additionally, Kentucky receiver Dane Key was named Freshman of the Week and Alabama kicker Will Reichard claimed Special Teams Player of the Week.

Key became the first Wildcat freshman to catch a touchdown in his first two games, finishing with three catches for 83 yards and a score against the Gators. Reichard finished a perfect 2-for-2 on his field goal attempts, including the game-winner to help the Crimson Tide escape with a 20-19 victory against Texas. He also tied his career long by making a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter.

Mississippi State center LaQuinston Sharp was named Co-Offensive lineman for the second straight week.

SEC football Week 2 awards

Offensive Player of the Week

QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

Co-Defensive Players of the Week

LB Jordan Wright, Kentucky

LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas

Freshman of the Week

WR Dane Key, Kentucky

Special Teams Player of the Week

PK Will Reichard, Alabama

Co-Offensive Linemen of the Week

C LaQuinston Sharp, Mississippi State

C Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas

Defensive Lineman of the Week

DE Byron Young, Tennessee