Kyle Phillips, Defensive End
The Vols’ most recent commit, Kyle Phillips was one of the biggest targets for Butch Jones and staff heading down the stretch in recruiting, and the fact that he is an early enrollee only makes landing him that much sweeter.
Phillips is regarded as the No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee, making him a coveted in-state prospect for the Vols. Thanks to defensive coordinator John Chavis leaving LSU and bolting for Texas A&M, landing Phillips was that much easier. Phillips was considered an LSU lean heading into his announcement on January 3rd, but that all changed with Chavis’s decision.
As a senior, Phillips recorded 57.5 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, and 13 sacks. He participated in the Army All-American Bowl the day after Tennessee’s bowl game, and he wowed scouts and fans alike with his performance in the game and in drills.
While the Vols appear stacked at defensive end for the 2015 season, Phillips projects to be an impact player for years to come for Tennessee. If he doesn’t make huge waves this upcoming season, he likely will as a sophomore and beyond.