In a game that has now set standards for national attention and prestige, the U.S. Army All-American All-Star game on January 15, 2005, in San Antonio (Texas), came calling on two of the nation’s top football players, and the reaction was overwhelming. As the game’s newest partner, Scout.com, came to both venues for support, the fan reaction was simply outstanding.
For Kenneth Phillips, rated as the nation’s top safety, and the No. 1 player for two consecutive years for floridakids.us (part of the scout.com network), the opportunity to play on the same field as University of Oklahoma freshman standout Adrian Peterson did one short year ago, is an honor. The 6-3, 205-pounder, who has been courted by every school from California to his home town of Miami, was humbled by the selection.
With his teammates, students, administrators, band members, Sports Link, the U.S. Army and Antuwan Edwards of the Miami Dolphins on hand, Phillips, slipped on the Army All-Star jersey and cap for all to see.
“This is a huge honor,” Phillips said. “Last year, my teammate Willie Williams played in this game, so I know how impressive it is to play on a stage like this one.”
As he thanked his family, coaches and teammates for the many accomplishments he has had as an athlete for the Chiefs, Phillips was greeted by a chorus of cheers from his teammates. The same teammates who have watched him turn from a kid into a young man.
“Kenneth Phillips is one of those young men who doesn’t come along very often,” said Carol City assistant coach and former Green Bay Packer wide receiver Fred Nixon. “He is a model student from his work in the classroom to the way he respects everyone around him.”
While Phillips played to a large crowd on this day, Demetrice Morley, who committed to attend the University of Tennessee, had a more intimate gathering as coach Billy Rolle, a few teammates and his mother shared in the good news.
Morley burst onto the scene in the off season as he attended several camps and was singled out as one of the top defensive backs in the state of Florida. His rise up the ladder was fueled when he originally committed to attend the University of Florida. He later backed out of the oral, non-binding commitment to let the Volunteers know that he would be heading their way in 2005.
Like Phillips, the news that he was one of five Floridians joining this year’s elite group in San Antonio, was something that he is looking forward to. The 6-1, 185-pounder will have the opportunity to showcase his many skills to some of the best high school football players in the nation.
“This is a huge opportunity for me,” said Morley. “To be chosen to participate in a game such as this one is huge. Look at all the great players who have had the chance to play in this game. I am truly honored.”
Morley’s play in the secondary for the Cougars has attracted the attention from colleges throughout the nation. Being a part of a defensive backfield that some college coaches have called the best in the nation, Morley has remained the center of attention. But he has long told all college coaches that he is “just a part of a team that is gaining momentum each and every week.”
Charles Fishbein also contributed to this report.