Junior defensive end/linebacker Denzil Ware was named second-team defense, while junior safety Mike Edwards and junior linebacker Jordan Jones were named to the third team. No Kentucky players made the offense or specialists All-SEC teams.
Ware ranked second on the team in total sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (12.0) last year. Meanwhile, Edwards led all SEC defensive backs in tackles in 2016 with 100 and was one of just six players overall in the league with 100 or more tackles on the season. Jones was given second-team defense honors last season after leading the SEC in solo tackles per game (5.