Maxwell Smith named as Kentucky’s starting quarterback

Joker Phillips has made Maxwell Smith his starting quarterback for the 2012 season.

Smith, who threw for 819 yards and 4 TDs (and 4 INTs) for the Wildcats last year, was named earlier this week.

The new QB told the Courier-Journal: “I heard about it this morning. Coach Joker and Coach Sanders were together and they called me in, and that’s when I found out. I felt good, felt great. That’s what I’ve been working for since I was a little kid, to get a job to start on an SEC team. It might not have been SEC at the time; you know I’m a West Coast guy. It might’ve been Pac-10 at the time, but I’m glad to be where I am and looking forward to having a real good season.”

Morgan Newton, last year’s starting QB (793 yards, 8 TDs, 7 INTs), came back from shoulder surgery so wasn’t anyone’s favourites to get the job: “You’ve just got to respect the coaches’ decision. It was going to be tough for me anyway, just coming back from shoulder (surgery). And I’m still coming back, so I’m just working hard on that and working hard on being a good teammate. That’s the only thing I can do.” He added that his shoulder still gives him “pain”, and called freshman QBs Patrick Towles and Jalen Whitlow ‘awesome’ talents.

It should be noted that Towles’ arrival will bring pressure to Smith – especially as Towles was ranked as one of the best high-school quarterbacks in the nation and the top quarterback in the State of Kentucky.

BOTTOM LINE: If Smith doesn’t play well and Phillips decides not to redshirt Towles – which could quite easily happy – don’t be surprised if it’s Towles – not Newton, who is the starter by the end of the year. And as for Whitlow, Kentucky should stop looking to play him at QB but instead at WR, where Smith will need the most help.