Joker Phillips is fully aware that the upcoming Louisville-Kentucky game has implications that go beyond the final score. Phillips spoke to a crowd of about 800 at the Kentucky Convention Center as part of the Louisville alumni chapter kickoff on Wednesday, and if Phillips has his way, he'll be back in the Derby City many times in the future to sign recruits.
The city of Louisville has several Division I prospects in its 2011 class alone. Seneca quarterback DaMarcus Smith, who recently shone at the Elite 11 quarterback camp, has committed to U of L. The Cards also have commitments from Louisville prep prospects DeVante Parker, a 6-foot-3 receiver from Ballard, and Fern Creek teammates Jerrell Moore and Jamon Brown. UK has a commitment from Eastern tight end Jon Davis, a four-star prospect on Scout.com
"It's a huge game for both involved," Phillips said. "The biggest thing is momentum. Not only do you leave this game with momentum that can carry you the rest of the season, but you also get momentum in recruiting, too. Recruiting-wise, to win the state, you've got to win Louisville."
UK had Wednesday off for the first day of classes. They will resume practice on Thursday, when they will begin preparations for U of L, and have a 'dress rehearsal' scrimmage at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday.
Depth chart update
The quarterback decision is out of the way, but several other positions are up for grabs. The battle at center between Jake Lanefski and Matt Smith continues, and Phillips still hasn't settled on a starting tight end.
Junior Ronnie Sneed moved ahead of redshirt freshman Qua Huzzie at linebacker while Huzzie sat out with a foot blister, but Phillips said Huzzie returned for Tuesday's scrimmage and played well with the second team.
An under-the-radar battle has developed at right tackle, where junior Billy Joe Murphy is pushing senior Brad Durham.
Kicker Joe Mansour is also moving closer to nailing down the place-kicking job.
"(Special teams) Coach (Greg) Nord told me someday he'll kick a 60-yard field goal," Phillips said. "We're not sure he's ready yet, but the more we can continue to prepare him, the more of a chance he'll have to start in this ball game also."
Phillips told the audience that as many as nine newcomers could see action against U of L: Mansour, defensive end Nermin Delic, running backs Raymond Sanders and Brandon Gainer, safety Mychal Bailey, linebackers Jewell Ratliff and Avery Williamson, cornerback Jerrell Priester, and tight end Tyler Robinson.
Phillips said it's too early to tell whether late signee Elliott Porter will be able to contribute at defensive tackle.
"He gives you some hope because of his athleticism," he said. "His head's still swimming. He's probably a little weaker (physically) up top than we thought, but we'll work him out four days a week when school starts. We think he'll be able to help us out in time, but how soon is yet to be determined."
Brooks retirement fund-raiser on Saturday
The Rich Brooks Foundation is sponsoring a bourbon and cigar summer fund-raiser to celebrate Coach Brooks' retirement on Saturday at the Gainesway Horse Farm. A cigar and bourbon tasting will start at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. A live auction will immediately follow.
Coach Joker Phillips and the UK coaching staff will be on hand. Reservations can be made at richbrooksfoundation.net.
Contact Ralph Coldiron for tickets at (859) 533-7688.
