LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky football's historic season has been recognized by media around the Southeastern Conference.

UK coach Mark Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year and outside linebacker Josh Allen was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press Monday. The awards were voted on by a panel of 28 writers and broadcasters who cover SEC teams.

Stoops led UK to its first nine-win season since 1984 and first winning record in SEC play since 1977. Allen ranks fourth in the country in sacks (14) and 10th in tackles for loss (18.5), leading the SEC in both categories while breaking UK's single-season and career sacks records.

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UK running back Benny Snell and offensive guard Bunchy Stallings joined Allen on the AP's All-SEC first team. UK senior safety Mike Edwards was named to the second-team defense.

Stoops is the first UK coach named SEC Coach of the Year since Jerry Claiborne in 1983 and only the fifth UK coach to ever win the award.

Jon Hale: jahale@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @JonHale_CJ. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jonh.