Florida football: Gators get three on All-SEC first team

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - SEPTEMBER 14: Kyle Pitts #84 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - SEPTEMBER 14: Kyle Pitts #84 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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After finishing second in the SEC East and earning an Orange Bowl berth, Florida football earned another accolade when three players made the All-SEC first team.

Three Florida football players — including two on defense — were named to the All-SEC first team this week.

Defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard joined defensive back C.J. Henderson on the first team for the Gators.

On offense, standout tight end Kyle Pitts earned a first-team nod for his work this season.

After just three catches last season, Pitts exploded this year for 51 receptions. He had 610 yards receiving and five touchdowns, making him one of the most prolific tight ends in college football.

Pitts led Florida football in receiving this year.

On defense, Henderson had 33 tackles this season — including three for loss and a sack. He had 11 defended passes which were more than the previous two years combined. It was the second time Henderson was named to the All-SEC team in his career.

Henderson announced this week he would be entering the 2020 NFL Draft where he is expected to be a first-round draft pick.

Greenard anchored a defensive unit that ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense. He had 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Pitts and Greenard were both named to the Associated Press’ All-SEC first team as well earlier this week.

Linebacker David Reese was named to the AP’s second team after turning in a season with a team-high 89 tackles — including five for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Overall, LSU and Alabama led with six representatives on the first and second teams while Georgia had four and Florida football had three.

Heisman Trophy finalist Joe Burrow was the first-team quarterback this season for both the conference and the AP. He was also named the AP SEC Offensive Player of the Year while Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown was the Defensive Player of the Year.

No. 6 Florida football will take on No. 24 Virginia in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 in Miami Gardens, Florida.