By LARRY VAUGHT

The more Joker Phillips talks about junior college transfer Chris Matthews, the more I think this kid could really be a special receiver.

Phillips is normally hard to please and is not apt to give out praise very often during preseason practice. However, the UK associatec coach is having a hard time not being a Matthews fan.

“He is really, really tough. He and Larod (King), I am really encouraged with their blocking and how tough they are. The thing is I have been telling our other freshmen if we had had toughness like that out of our last group of freshmen, we would have won two more games last year,” Phillips said Sunday. “I really believe that. These two guys are really physical. The guys that are sophomores now, they have to get to the same toughness level. They are really physical. They could be two of the most physical big guys I have ever had. They are not afraid of anybody.”

But surely Matthews has a weakness?

“His effort. He was part of that (lack of) effort (in Saturday’s scrimmage). He did not grade out well (in the scrimmage). He graded out well at the point of attack, but he has to understand he can be the big block to spring a guy. He doesn’t understand that yet,” Phillips said.

“I am pleased with the progress he is making. He has not missed a practice. He has been out here every day. He continues to get better. The kid wants to be a great player. He has been listening and learning and asking questions. We quiz him every night and go around the room and let the other receivers quiz  him and he’s starting to get a good grasp of our offense. So far, there’s not much not to like about him.”

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