SEC communication directors pick UK football third in East, 11th overall

The Birmingham News held its 71st annual poll of SEC communication directors to rank the league’s football teams from No. 1 through No. 14.

Kentucky finished 11th in the rankings, ahead of Ole Miss (12th), Vanderbilt (13th) and Missouri (14th).

Mark Stoops’ team was picked to finish third in the SEC East.

Here’s the News’ comment with the poll result:

“Kentucky was actually picked to finish third in the SEC East but fell to 11th in the overall poll after receiving three 10th-place votes, two 11th-place votes and a 13th-place vote.

“The league might be sleeping on Kentucky, which returns 17 starters this season from a team that knocked off Louisville last year. A favorable schedule (both Mississippi schools from the SEC West) could set up the Wildcats for a surprising run. Keep an eye on Kentucky quarterback Stephen Johnson (pictured).”

Here is the News’ projected finish for the SEC East.

UK linebacker Jordan Jones was a first-team All-SEC defense pick on the News’ pre-season All-SEC team.

Also, UK offensive lineman Logan Stenberg was a second-team offense pick on the News’ 71st annual pre-season All-SEC team.

More UK football links:

▪ Five good questions with ex-UK football All-American Derek Abney

▪ Three-star defensive tackle Tyler Bentley commits to UK football

▪ Three dark clouds UK football must avoid in 2017

▪ Highly-touted kicker commits to UK

▪ Kentucky football dismisses Alvonte Bell for violation of team rules

This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 9:10 AM.