Jan. 9, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Quarterback Reese Phillips, who was the Most Valuable Player of the Tennessee High School East/West All-Star Classic in December, has enrolled at the University of Kentucky for the spring semester, head coach Mark Stoops announced Wednesday.
“We’re excited about Reese getting started with us,” Stoops said. “Being able to enroll at mid-year and go through spring practice will greatly help his development.”
Phillips graduated from high school a semester early in order to come to UK now. He has enrolled along with two junior college players, tight end Steven Borden and defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who signed in December. All three players will participate in spring practice.
Reese Phillips, Quarterback, 6-2, 225, Fr-HS, Signal Mountain, Tenn. (Signal Mountain) – Two-year all-state quarterback at Signal Mountain (Tenn.) High School … Led team to a 7-4 record as a senior and an appearance in the Tennessee Class AAAA state playoffs … Completed 172 of 274 passes for 2,274 yards, 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions to earn all-state honors from the Tennessee Sports Writers Association … District Player of the Year … Was named the MVP of the Tennessee High School East/West All-Star Classic after going 10-for-10 for 95 yards and a touchdown … Led the East to a 41-20 win, setting a record for most points in the all-star game … Solid junior season as a first-year starting quarterback, throwing for 1,895 yards, 21 TDs and four interceptions while completing 71 percent of his passes, 132 of 186 … Was named a first-team all-state performer in 2011 by Tennessee Sports Writers Association … Started at tight end and defensive back as a freshman and sophomore, including sophomore campaign which saw Signal Mountain win the Class AA state championship with a 14-0 record (SMHS competed in 4A during his junior and senior seasons) … Known for a strong arm and consistent accuracy … Coached by Bill Price … “Reese is a very intelligent kid with a work ethic that is tremendous,” Price said. “He has a very strong arm and his accuracy is a big plus.” … A two-year all-district performer in baseball, playing shortstop and pitching … Junior year pitching stats featured a 7-1 record with an 0.85 earned run average, striking out 60 batters in 49 1/3 innings of work … Honor-roll student and member of the Beta Club.
Personal: Born in Chattanooga, Tenn. … Son of Stan Phillips and Elaine Reese … Reese’s grandfather, Harry, and great uncle, Dick, were members of the football team at Georgia … Reese is considering a major in communications.
