By LARRY VAUGHT

Kentucky coach Joker Phillips thinks incoming freshmen running backs Dyshawn Mobley and Justin Taylor could make an immediate impact.

“They could make a huge difference. They could play 11-12 games because they are physical and can handle the pounding in this league,” Phillips said. “Since I have been here, it has always been tailback by committee. We have had to play three or four guys and a lot of that had to do with their size and strength. We’ve had to play with smaller backs, but you like thicker backs that can move the pile,” Phillips said.

“Physically, both of them are talented enough to do that. It’s also a lot easier to play at tailback as a freshman than any position. You get your footwork down and run to daylight. Running backs are not made. They are both great players. They both have great vision, balance, strength. Both catch the ball well out of the backfield. We just have to give them a couple of things to do. If they are not great pass protectors, then we have to get them out on passing downs. But we have to give them an opportunity. Josh (Clemons) came in last year, worked hard and was not a great pass protector, but we got a lot out of him before he was hurt. These two have the same type talent.”