Joker Speaks

[UedK]

Here is an excellent recap of Joker's talk to a group in Western Kentucky. He covers a lot of ground, lots of stuff to ponder and look forward to. He says we must name a starter at OB during the first week of practice so they can work with the first team offense.

http://www.timesleader.net/articles/stories/public/200607/08/4ePP_sports.html

[Caveman Catfan]

Thanks for the link!

Maurice Grinter has been moved to fullback. “We’ll play him some in the one-back set. We hope he’ll be the guy (near the goal line) that will move the pile, like Arliss Beach was.”

and

Phillips noted that returning starter Wesley Woodyard is 227 pounds and runs a 4.5 but “couldn’t keep up with Micah.”


:shock:

[CatFanForLife]

One of my favorite parts of the article was:

“That’s why we’re trying to educate our fan base,” he noted. “When we have the ball on third down be quiet. When they have the ball on third down be as loud as hell.”

Someone needs to share this with the scoreboard operators, the fans who try to start the wave, and sometimes the Wildcat Marching Band, when UK is on offense and is driving the ball, especially when they aretrying to keep a drive alive.

I think a lot of the time, those who make noise during a crucial series in the game just don't understand the "little things" that can either sustain or kill a drive, which ultimately leads to big momentum swings.

I am not saying to sit on your hands and not cheer, but know when to cheer and when to shut up.

When our opponents have the ball, scream yell, raise all kinds of h*ll to disrupt their offense.

[poodoo]

Thanks from me, too, Ed. I LOVE tohear from the UK coachesduring the summer. The link you shared is just what "the doctor ordered,"asthis year wasthe first year a Caravan stop was not close enough for me to attend.

I love the Joker quote Caveman mentioned in regard to Woodyard and Micah Johnson. That Micah weighs over 270 pounds makes Joker's statement that much more impressive for Micah.

I also love Joker's comment about Keenan Burton.Griffin wrotethe following, quoting Joker: "Wide receiver Keenan Burton'is one of the best kids I'veever coached, not only as a player, but as a person.' " That matches everything I've ever read or heard about Burton. I am so pulling for that young man to be healthy this season.

Again, thanks, UedK. You have MADE MY DAY! :)

[poodoo]

CatFanForLife wrote: One of my favorite parts of the article was:

“That’s why we’re trying to educate our fan base,” he noted. “When we have the ball on third down be quiet. When they have the ball on third down be as loud as hell.”

Someone needs to share this with the scoreboard operators, the fans who try to start the wave, and sometimes the Wildcat Marching Band, when UK is on offense and is driving the ball, especially when they aretrying to keep a drive alive.

I think a lot of the time, those who make noise during a crucial series in the game just don't understand the "little things" that can either sustain or kill a drive, which ultimately leads to big momentum swings.

I am not saying to sit on your hands and not cheer, but know when to cheer and when to shut up.

When our opponents have the ball, scream yell, raise all kinds of h*ll to disrupt their offense.



AMEN to that, CatFanForLife and Joker!

Too, thank you, Gary, for in scrolling down to read the article, I had missed that part of Joker's comments. Your post was not there when I had written mine, but appeared after I had finished my post. Anyway, we so agree!

[T75]

I wish I could feel better about Pulley as our QB, but I can't. Certainly a quick decision must be made in early August, but I'll be disappointed if it isn't Andre'.

Perhaps the thing I await most anxiously is to see Micah on the field. When a 270 lbLB is so fast that a 4.5 DB "can't keep up with him", he must be something to see. For years we've watch Bama, UT, Ga, etc. LBs come flying across the field to shut down our plays but now is the time that we're going to see our guys doing that to them too. This is going to be fun.

[KingKat]

CatFanForLife wrote: One of my favorite parts of the article was:

“That’s why we’re trying to educate our fan base,” he noted. “When we have the ball on third down be quiet. When they have the ball on third down be as loud as hell.”

Someone needs to share this with the scoreboard operators, the fans who try to start the wave, and sometimes the Wildcat Marching Band, when UK is on offense and is driving the ball, especially when they aretrying to keep a drive alive.

I think a lot of the time, those who make noise during a crucial series in the game just don't understand the "little things" that can either sustain or kill a drive, which ultimately leads to big momentum swings.

I am not saying to sit on your hands and not cheer, but know when to cheer and when to shut up.

When our opponents have the ball, scream yell, raise all kinds of h*ll to disrupt their offense.


Somebody on another board actually argued that he was a fan and he was going to cheer for his team whenever he felt like it, by golly.

Maybe there should be an entrance exam at the gate....

[baldcat]

Makes one daydream of Micah coming through clean on Brohm's blind side....doesn't it?



T75 wrote:
I wish I could feel better about Pulley as our QB, but I can't. Certainly a quick decision must be made in early August, but I'll be disappointed if it isn't Andre'.

Perhaps the thing I await most anxiously is to see Micah on the field. When a 270 lbLB is so fast that a 4.5 DB "can't keep up with him", he must be something to see. For years we've watch Bama, UT, Ga, etc. LBs come flying across the field to shut down our plays but now is the time that we're going to see our guys doing that to them too. This is going to be fun.

[Caveman Catfan]

poodoo wrote: I love the Joker quote Caveman mentioned in regard to Woodyard and Micah Johnson. That Micah weighs over 270 pounds makes Joker's statement that much more impressive for Micah.




Yeah, I should have included the next line about Micah weighing 270. Incredible!!! If Micah can be a Woodyard at 270, the LBer corps will be amazing.

[bret1555]

I loved it when Joker was named Offensive Coordinator & really when he came back to the UK staff, period. He is has always been very personable and amiable. People respond to him. There are not a lot of guys that can be no-nonsense & entertaining; Joker is one of them. It doesn't hurt that he has great relationships with a great many HS head coaches here in Kentucky, either.

[boomdaddy]

T75 wrote: I wish I could feel better about Pulley as our QB, but I can't. Certainly a quick decision must be made in early August, but I'll be disappointed if it isn't Andre'.

Perhaps the thing I await most anxiously is to see Micah on the field. When a 270 lbLB is so fast that a 4.5 DB "can't keep up with him", he must be something to see. For years we've watch Bama, UT, Ga, etc. LBs come flying across the field to shut down our plays but now is the time that we're going to see our guys doing that to them too. This is going to be fun.

I was very high on Woodson, until last season. He never showed the poise and leadership in the pocket, that I thought he would. I think Pulley is UK's best shot for moving the offense. But, I will root for whoever is in the game. The best scenario is that they push each other to improve and they both make contributions in big games.

[trublue4life]

He said prize recruit Micah Johnson of Ft. Campbell is a “freak of nature.” Phillips noted that returning starter Wesley Woodyard is 227 pounds and runs a 4.5 but “couldn’t keep up with Micah.”
WOW! Actually, make that a double WOW! First, If Wesley Woodyard really has bulked up to 227 lbs while keeping his 4.5 speed he will be an absolute beast form his outside linebacker position. He could be all SEC caliber. Second, if he really can't keep up with Micah...well, there's nothing left to say.
Johnson, expected to push for a starting linebacker spot, is up to just over 270 pounds, according to Phillips.
Again, outruns Wesley Woodyard's 4.5 at over 270 lbs...I'm speechless!
His older brother, Christian Johnson, will likely start on the offensive line at left guard.
“He’s probably the reason for us getting Micah,” admitted Phillips. “People say we recruited him just to get Micah, but Christian may be the strongest guy on the team. He benches close to 500 pounds.”

Won't be as flashy or garner near the publicity but may be just as important to our success as his younger brother. With Christian and probably Aaron Miller anchoring the left side of the OL we're going to need to get Rafael Little a real estate license with the amount of property he's going tocover (as well as TonyDixon & Alfonso Smith)!

You see, it's stuff like this that starts getting my blood pressure unnecessarily high (not to mention my hopes) during these hot days of July. It's time to start getting ready for some football! Go Cats!

[CatFanForLife]

KingKat wrote: CatFanForLife wrote: One of my favorite parts of the article was:

“That’s why we’re trying to educate our fan base,” he noted. “When we have the ball on third down be quiet. When they have the ball on third down be as loud as hell.”

Someone needs to share this with the scoreboard operators, the fans who try to start the wave, and sometimes the Wildcat Marching Band, when UK is on offense and is driving the ball, especially when they aretrying to keep a drive alive.

I think a lot of the time, those who make noise during a crucial series in the game just don't understand the "little things" that can either sustain or kill a drive, which ultimately leads to big momentum swings.

I am not saying to sit on your hands and not cheer, but know when to cheer and when to shut up.

When our opponents have the ball, scream yell, raise all kinds of h*ll to disrupt their offense.


Somebody on another board actually argued that he was a fan and he was going to cheer for his team whenever he felt like it, by golly.

Maybe there should be an entrance exam at the gate....

Not a bad idea...:D maybe it should be mandatory for the scoreboard operator and the director of the marching band. Neither seem to have clue duringimportant parts of the games.

[SouthBeachWildcat]

I remember Joker's email was posted once, either on this board or the OTHER one. I was curious if anyone has it. I can't seem to find it on UKathletics or University of Kentucky's website

[7lives]

boomdaddy wrote: T75 wrote: I wish I could feel better about Pulley as our QB, but I can't. Certainly a quick decision must be made in early August, but I'll be disappointed if it isn't Andre'.

Perhaps the thing I await most anxiously is to see Micah on the field. When a 270 lbLB is so fast that a 4.5 DB "can't keep up with him", he must be something to see. For years we've watch Bama, UT, Ga, etc. LBs come flying across the field to shut down our plays but now is the time that we're going to see our guys doing that to them too. This is going to be fun.

I was very high on Woodson, until last season. He never showed the poise and leadership in the pocket, that I thought he would. I think Pulley is UK's best shot for moving the offense. But, I will root for whoever is in the game. The best scenario is that they push each other to improve and they both make contributions in big games.
It was kinda hard for Woodson to show poise and leadership when your offensive line gives you one second to make a play instead of the traditional 3 seconds on the average. That OL last year in pass protection mode had more holes in it than a woolen moth eaten winter overcoat.

[I. Melvin]

Agreed. What scares me is if he lost (never gained?) the confidence he needs to perform at a level that lets his remarkable gifts shine - best arm (better than Couch, better than JLo) that I've ever seen at UK ...

7lives wrote:
It was kinda hard for Woodson to show poise and leadership when your offensive line gives you one second to make a play instead of the traditional 3 seconds on the average. That OL last year in pass protection mode had more holes in it than a woolen moth eaten winter overcoat.

[Doug Hardin]

Not to mention Andre' was playing injured most of last season. Remember, his passing game was outstanding against U of L before the injuries set in.

[DJRUKALUM]

For those of you in the Atlanta area, Joker Phillips will be addressing the UK fans at TJ's Sports Bar on Holcomb Bridge Rd at 7:00 Wed. night 7/12. For more info go to http://www.ukfan.net/ (http://www.ukfan.net.)

[johnkyblue]

Doug Hardin wrote: Not to mention Andre' was playing injured most of last season. Remember, his passing game was outstanding against U of L before the injuries set in.
I'm glad you saw that too. I have felt like the only seeing man around. Woodson's shoulder was messed up pretty early in the season and he showed more than enough grit and maturity playing hurt to earn allegiance.

[UedK]

Doug Hardin wrote: Not to mention Andre' was playing injured most of last season. Remember, his passing game was outstanding against U of L before the injuries set in.

I'll take a one year more mature and healthy Andre and I think we could wing some ball games with him. Plus he will be a junior, usually a year when the maturity and leadership qualities start to come out. The sophomore year is usually a tough one, both on and off the field.

Now that said, he was not injured early on when he gave up the ball and a gave up a bunch of coverage sacks. Part of his learning must, must include ball and field position protection. As I think we have heard Brooks and Joker state quite often, these two things will be a theme for this year. Andhopefully Andre will be aided in the above quest by getting much better pass protection by the exterior of the offensive line.

[RedandBlackATTACK]

Nice read. As I have opined before, I believe Pulley definitely gets the start vs. The UL. Historically, (The previous 10 years or so) UL has failed miserably against dual threat QB’s and the multiple play option (run pass) attack. I think it’s a “no brainer”.

Just a note. I limited the “Historically” term to ten years because for the most part prior to that UL couldn’t stop any offense


Rick

C-Bus

[jwade]

When Joker talks about Woodson improving his leadership skills, he's notso much talking aboutlast season- notlast year'sO-line problems, not Andre's injuries, not Burton's injury, nor anything else that occurred in 2005. He's talking about what he saw from Andre in the spring of 2006. Never forget, Woodson was the starter over Pulley at the beginning of spring practice and he lost that positionover the course of 4 short weeks.

Leadership is so much more than directing theteam on the field. It's about setting an example in the locker room and in the classroom. It's about being where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there. It's about doing whatever needs to be done to get better, and to make those around you better. And it's about making those around you want tofollow you. Unfortunately, a large part of the 'leadership' mystique in inborn. It's sort of like charisma. Either you have it or you don't. If you're not born with it, you can do certain things to maximize your natural abilities but there will be a limit as to how much you can improve.

I'd say it's 75/25 that Pulley starts Game 1.

Jim

[RV]

I was within 6 feet of Joker when he made the infamous statement about Micah and I believe his hyperbole has been misconstrued.

[CATHYnKY]

RV wrote: I was within 6 feet of Joker when he made the infamous statement about Micah and I believe his hyperbole has been misconstrued.
Hey RV...would you mind explaining why you believe this?

[RV]

CATHYnKY wrote: RV wrote: I was within 6 feet of Joker when he made the infamous statement about Micah and I believe his hyperbole has been misconstrued.
Hey RV...would you mind explaining why you believe this?
While I can't reproduce the exact quote because I neither recorded or wrote it down, the aforementioned comment by Joker was made in such a way that led me to believe the coach was exaggerating a bit and was just kind of hyping the crowd. I believe Joker expected his comments to be taken with 'a grain of salt'. The gist of his comment was that for a 271 pound young man that Micah can really move and that he was very gifted athletically but was not intended to be taken literally IMHO.

[CATHYnKY]

Thanks RV. I think a lot of us are expected BIG things from Micah. He should be a good one before he leaves. We need all the frosh to perform like upper classmen.

[poodoo]

RV wrote: I was within 6 feet of Joker when he made the infamous statement about Micah and I believe his hyperbole has been misconstrued.


RV, ironically, as I had been reading the thread today, I was thinking the same thing. I suspect Joker was "joking" (there's that irony again!). I wish that were not the case, but it seems most likely.Regardless, he is meaning that Micah, too, can RUN, and that is great! I look forward towatching the linebackers this coming season. :)

[poodoo]

bret1555 wrote: I loved it when Joker was named Offensive Coordinator & really when he came back to the UK staff, period. He is has always been very personable and amiable. People respond to him. There are not a lot of guys that can be no-nonsense & entertaining; Joker is one of them. It doesn't hurt that he has great relationships with a great many HS head coaches here in Kentucky, either.


Same here, bret1555. Too, I have spoken with Joker a few times. You are so right about his being so personable. I can certainly understand how recruiting has improved since Joker's arrival at UK. He is a KEEPER, for sure! :)

Again, like you, I was so happy for Joker when he was named offensive coordinator. I wish him all the success in the world.

[trublue4life]

poodoo wrote: bret1555 wrote: I loved it when Joker was named Offensive Coordinator & really when he came back to the UK staff, period. He is has always been very personable and amiable. People respond to him. There are not a lot of guys that can be no-nonsense & entertaining; Joker is one of them. It doesn't hurt that he has great relationships with a great many HS head coaches here in Kentucky, either.


Same here, bret1555. Too, I have spoken with Joker a few times. You are so right about his being so personable. I can certainly understand how recruiting has improved since Joker's arrival at UK. He is a KEEPER, for sure! :)

Again, like you, I was so happy for Joker when he was named offensive coordinator. I wish him all the success in the world.

In a perfect world we would seesteady improvement and bowls over the next three seasons and Brooks riding off into the sunset with his best John Wayne impersonation leaving Joker to step up as the head coach for a very stable and prosperous 20 years as the head man during an era of unprecedented success for UK football. Hey, if you're gonna dream...:D

[poodoo]

There's nothing wrong with dreaming, trublue4life.While the world will never be perfect, even the wildest of dreams sometimes come true. I happen to LOVE your dream, including its ending.Coach Brooks' succeeding and Joker'seventually taking over asthe UKhead football coach would be perfect indeed. :)