LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky linebacker Josh Forrest (pictured) became the first Wildcat chosen in the 2016 NFL Draft as he was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round on Saturday, April 30 in Chicago.

Forrest, a 6-foot-3 linebacker from Paducah, Ky., actually began his UK career as a receiver before moving to defense in 2012. He excelled on the defensive side of the ball, totaling a team-high 110 tackles and ranking third in the Southeastern Conference in tackles per game (9.2) during his junior season. In 2015, Forrest once again ranked among the SEC’s top tacklers. He was 12th in the league with 93 total tackles, along with six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one fumble caused. He also charted two interceptions and five pass breakups and was chosen to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl

His career totals include 232 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 quarterback sacks, 5 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, two fumbles caused and four quarterback hurries. He was named third-team All-SEC as a junior and senior by Phil Steele’s College Football.

Off the field, Forrest was one of six Wildcats to complete his degree prior to his senior season, earning his degree in community and leadership development.

There have been 12 Wildcats who have been drafted by the Rams’ franchise, including Luke Lindon (1940), Clyde Johnson (1943), Charley Kuhn (1944), Bill Griffin (1945), John Griggs (1952), Frank Fuller (1952), Bob Fry (1953), Dick Shatto (1956), Jack Butler (1956), Lou Michaels (1958), Rick Nuzum (1975), and Keenan Burton (2008).

Photos by UK Athletics