WildcatRick
08-25-2007, 12:33 AM
Lyons still a character, but Cats can always count on him
By Chip Cosby
Kentucky offensive coordinator and receivers coach Joker Phillips knows he can never take it easy on Dicky Lyons Jr.
It's been that way since Lyons arrived in Lexington in 2004, and even though Lyons had a breakout season last fall, things haven't changed one bit.
"He's a guy you have to stay on at all times," Phillips said. "He'll relax on you."
Yes, Lyons can drive the UK coaching staff crazy when he loafs in practice or pops off before a game (i.e. Mississippi State last fall).
But Phillips knows one thing: regardless of his shenanigans, Lyons always showed up on game day.
"He was running his mouth and got under Mississippi State's skin, and they were looking for him on every play," Phillips said. "And he played his best game of the year. That tells me he has what it takes to be a No. 1 guy."
Some might suggest that Lyons was a decoy and his big numbers were the result of teams overcompensating for star receiver Keenan Burton, do-it-all running back Rafael Little and pass-catching tight end Jacob Tamme.
Phillips dismissed that notion, saying Lyons' skill stands on its own.
"He's a legitimate wide receiver in this league, and he's got talent, no question about that," Phillips said. "And he could be a No. 1 guy in this offense. The only thing is that right now we've got Keenan."
http://www.kentucky.com/295/story/158178.html
By Chip Cosby
Kentucky offensive coordinator and receivers coach Joker Phillips knows he can never take it easy on Dicky Lyons Jr.
It's been that way since Lyons arrived in Lexington in 2004, and even though Lyons had a breakout season last fall, things haven't changed one bit.
"He's a guy you have to stay on at all times," Phillips said. "He'll relax on you."
Yes, Lyons can drive the UK coaching staff crazy when he loafs in practice or pops off before a game (i.e. Mississippi State last fall).
But Phillips knows one thing: regardless of his shenanigans, Lyons always showed up on game day.
"He was running his mouth and got under Mississippi State's skin, and they were looking for him on every play," Phillips said. "And he played his best game of the year. That tells me he has what it takes to be a No. 1 guy."
Some might suggest that Lyons was a decoy and his big numbers were the result of teams overcompensating for star receiver Keenan Burton, do-it-all running back Rafael Little and pass-catching tight end Jacob Tamme.
Phillips dismissed that notion, saying Lyons' skill stands on its own.
"He's a legitimate wide receiver in this league, and he's got talent, no question about that," Phillips said. "And he could be a No. 1 guy in this offense. The only thing is that right now we've got Keenan."
http://www.kentucky.com/295/story/158178.html