LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky junior defensive end Denzil Ware (pictured) was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week it was announced by the league on Tuesday, Sept. 5

Ware finished with two tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in the Wildcats’ 24-17 victory at Southern Miss. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder from Opp, Alabama turned in a critical play with under a minute remaining in the third quarter, scooping up a fumble caused by junior safety Darius West (Lima, Ohio) and rumbling 20 yards for a touchdown that pushed the Cats’ lead to 24-10.

Kentucky’s defense turned in a tremendous effort in Saturday’s victory, holding Southern Miss to just 55 rushing yards on 38 carries. The Wildcats forced three turnovers while registering eight tackles for loss, two sacks and knocking the football loose four times.

For his career, Ware has 111 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He was named Preseason All-SEC Second Team by both the media and the league’s coaches heading into the 2017 season.

UK Athletics Photo