Drew, left, and Landy Anderson with UK defensive back Dru Phillips at the Somerset Youth Football League camp. (Erica Anderson Photo)
Several turned into 13 players, including starting linebacker DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones, thanks to Phillips and freshman quarterback Kiaya Sheron, a former Somerset player.
“It was just crazy how well it turned out,” Anderson said. “They were awesome with our kids. It made me proud to be a Cats fan. I knew it was the players’ day off and probably some had plans for a Saturday night. I was impressed at how many showed up because it’s a pretty good drive and they all stayed all three hours of camp.”
“The players didn’t just show up and hang out, either. They interacted with the kids. They did drills with boys from first grade through sixth grade that can be a little wild. We have a little dance contest and the UK players judged that and hyped up the kids.”
She was a group leader for a sixth-grade group and loved what sophomore receiver Chris Lewis did with one youngster.
“The kid was nervous about doing the obstacle course because it is a timed thing. He did not want to go. Chris encouraged him and walked him through it. It was really special,” Anderson said.
She watched Phillips play touch football with youngsters and also run the 40-yard dash. She said Square was “really active” with the campers.
“He talked to all the kids. There was a big line to take pictures with him,” she said. “To our kids, these guys are celebrities. We really worried that people would be disappointed when Lynn couldn’t make it but it turned out great.”
Junior running back Jutahn McClain was maybe not as outgoing as some players but she said he spent time at every station.
“He was working with the kids and was great at taking pictures with them. He was really kind and gave a lot of his time to them,” Anderson said. “The kids all love Lynn from the past two years and he’s great with them. But these were guys they are going to watch play this season. It gives us our guys to root for.”
“I hope it was fun for them and we can get some of them back. I don’t know how many of them really get out and see how crazy our fans are and how we support football. They were all laughing and having a good time and I heard one player say he wanted to do more of this. I saw kids getting cleats and T-shirts signed and pictures made.”
“I heard a lot of parents talking about how excited their kids were. All the kids were clapping and going crazy most of the camp and a lot had on UK shirts. Little kids were jumping on the players’ backs. It was just one of those special nights for everyone.”
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Other Kentucky players at the camp were Jamarius Dinkins, Khalil Saunders, Martez Thrower, Jordan Dingle, Jase Bruner, Justice Dingle and Connor Long.
