Kentucky Football: 3 most underrated players entering 2020 season

Brandin Echols established himself as one of the SEC’s top cornerbacks in his first season in the SEC.

Echols began in his college career at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he originally played wide receiver. He later moved to cornerback, earning him attention from programs such as Kentucky and he did not fail his new school.

He ranked fourth on the team with 52 total tackles, led the team with nine pass breakups, finished second on the team with two forced fumbles and even made a strip-sack that UK recovered.

Echols was named an honorable mention flex defender by Pro Football Focus and was named as Kentucky’s top returning player.

With Echols as Kentucky’s top cover corner, the Wildcats’ secondary finished second in the country only behind Ohio State. The Wildcats finished tied with the only team in the nation outside the Buckeyes that did not allow 10 or more passing touchdowns (9).

The UK secondary is underrated as is, and Echols being the ringleader and entering his senior season deserves a spot on this list and will be a name to watch in the 2021 NFL Draft next spring.