When the latest depth chart came out this morning Jalen Whitlow was once again listed as the No. 1 quarterback and Max Smith is listed as the backup. Coach Stoops was asked if Jalen had improved enough where he will get significant reps in practice? “He better,” Stoops said. “Yeah, he’s going. He’s got a dinged up shoulder. It’s fine. It’s an an AC joint. He’ll be sore. He’ll be out there practicing today.” Whitlow has started four games for Kentucky this season and has played in all seven.
What happens if Jalen goes down again? Look for Reese Phillips to get an opportunity. Coach Stoops was asked today if he knew what his third option at quarterback would be? “Yes, We will get Reese (Phillips) some reps in practice. “ Stoops wouldn’t clarify if Phillips was the second or third option. ” I don’t know. We’ll work on it this week. He’s definitely going to be an option.”
Coach Stoops had some good things to say about Phillips. “Reese, he’s always done a nice job of managing the game, going back to the spring game, all the scrimmages he’s been in, the scrimmages we did this year during the year. He takes care of the football. If nothing else, if we get ourselves with certain plays and checks and run‑pass options, if we just execute the call, we give ourselves a chance. We’re not even doing that at times, and that’s frustrating, let alone throws or different things. It’s just putting ourselves, putting our team in a position to be successful with decisions. I think he does a nice job of protecting the football, and I think he does a nice job with his decision making.”
I hope Whitlow remains healthy, but if for some reason he gets hurt again, I think you will see Phillips take his place, not Max Smith.
