5. Tim Couch- Quarterback
Tim Couch attended the University of Kentucky and played from 1996 to 1998. After splitting time as a starter for most of his freshman season, Couch eventually became the starter, and in only his second year set several school records. He left after his equally impressive junior season and completed his collegiate career with an average 67% completion percentage, throwing for 8,435 yards and 74 touchdowns. Furthermore, he set the Kentucky single season record for most completions in a season with 400.
4. Bob Gain- Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman
Bob Gain was a two-way player who starred for the Wildcats from 1947 to 1950. Gain was an All-American, including winning SEC Linemen of the Year and the Outland Trophy in 1950. He was a co-captain on the only Kentucky team to ever win an SEC championship and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
3. Art Still- Defensive end
The second overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft, Art Still was a devastating force throughout his entire football career. He was awarded All-American honors in 1977 due to an outstanding season that included him finishing with 20 tackles for net negative yards, which is still a University of Kentucky record. He went on to have an outstanding professional career for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills and owns the Chiefs third highest sack total of all time with 72.5.
2. Vito “Babe” Parilli- Quarterback
One of the most decorated Wildcats of all time, Babe Parilli was the fourth overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1952 NFL Draft. He won the third ever Super Bowl as a member of the New York Jets, and is often lost in the conversation of great early quarterbacks. At UK, “Babe” had three outstanding years, including being the only quarterback in the school’s history to win an SEC championship in 1950. Additionally, he was a two time All-American, winning the awards consecutively in 1950 and 1951.
1. George Blanda- Quarterback/Kicker
Without a doubt the most distinguished player in Kentucky Wildcat Football history is George Blanda. Blanda was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981 and played for 5 teams in his professional football career. In 1963, he was named the AFL MVP, and twice led the league in passing yards. Most importantly though he won 3 AFL championships, playing as both a quarterback and kicker. When Blanda arrived at Kentucky the team was coming off of a 1-9 season, however the program did not lose more than 3 games for the duration of Blanda’s career thereafter. Though he was not a member of the UK SEC championship team, Blanda went on to promote the school vicariously through his phenomenal career and play.
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