By LARRY VAUGHT
Question: What is there about junior linebacker Avery Williamson that makes you confident he will be a big-time player this season?
Joker Phillips: “Avery comes from a great family. Great mom and dad. He has got an awareness of his surroundings and is a really sharp kid mentally and physically he takes care of himself, and that’s important. People don’t understand how important it is to take care of your body and mind. Avery does that.
I am starting to see a lot of leadership from him. I think as soon as this last group walked out the door. You had Ronnie Sneed out of the meeting room and Danny Trevathan out and Winston Guy out of the linebacker meeting and Ridge Wilson, I think it kicked in to him and he looked around and saw, ‘I am the guy who has to step up.’ You are seeing that. He is not just leading that group. He is leading the whole team offensively and defensively.”
Question: Do you worry that sophomore linebacker Alvin ‘Bud’ Dupree might have too much swagger?
Joker Phillips: “I don’t think he has enough swagger about him at times. He is a real humble kid. Because of the things he has done around here on the football field and academically setting up tutors for his history group, I think he could have a little bit more swagger than he has even shown. I think that will kick in with him this year.”
2 Responses to Avery Williamson leading whole Kentucky team; Bud Dupree needs more swagger
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Larry, thanks for all these pieces. I don’t have time to read all of them right now because I’m heading out to Lexington for Fan Day (almost eight hours, RT, driving myself this time — yes, I love these Wildcats!). I had wanted to check here for any news first, though, and the name “Avery Williamson” caught my attention, so I had to read this one.
When I had read Joker’s quote here that Avery, a linebacker, is leading both “offensively and defensively,” I had not been that surprised. That’s because I had had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Avery at the women’s clinic. I still find it hard to believe just how impressive this young man was — and one of those “million-dollar smiles” and, more importantly, one that is most obviously genuine.
His position coach, Chuck Smith, had introduced him there as the type of young man a parent would want his or her daughter to date, besides comparing him to Wesley Woodyard — which had already said enough about Williamson. I’ve always given Wesley extra credit for turning the program around. WIlliamson seems the type that could get it back on track — and, hopefully, take it to the next level. What an outstanding young man he is, as you well know, Larry, and, again, I’m not at all surprised that he’s such a LEADER. I LOVE it — and thanks for this one, in particular. GO CATS!!!
Tana lot more coming in the next two weeks for you as well
God bless you for going to fan day. let us know how it went. missed because my grandkids from Nashville are with me for the weekend