Photo | UK Athletics
Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen heard his name called in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft Thursday night in Nashville.
Allen was selected seventh overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming the first Kentucky player chosen in the first round since Bud Dupree (Pittsburgh Steelers) in 2015. Allen is the 17th player in UK history to be selected as a first round pick in the NFL or AFL drafts.
After a solid junior season, Allen could’ve jumped to the NFL without taking the field in Lexington for his senior year. However, the birth of his son, Wesley, fueled a desire to return to Kentucky and improve his draft position.
During his senior season, Allen racked up multiple national and SEC awards while leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and Citrus Bowl championship. He totaled 17 sacks last season (a UK single season record) to help set a new program record of sacks in a UK career with 31.5.
