Vols : Why You Can’t Run on Tennessee in 2015

Kyle Phillips

Kyle Phillips was another great pick up by Coach Butch Jones. I was not convinced the Hillsboro High School product was coming to Tennessee. Tennessee closed the class getting the all world Phillips and Drew Richmond out of Memphis. It was great to see the best in the State of Tennessee come to Knoxville.

Phillips is a special mix of strength and speed. He is also an incredibly smart young player. At the US Army All American Bowl, many thought Kyle was the best high school athlete playing in that game. Well Tennessee fans can already see why.

I watched Phillips practice last Saturday in Neyland. He is as advertised. He is 6’4 and 259 lbs now as a true freshman. His first step is as explosive as it can get and closing speed is missle like. He is the heir apparent to Maggitts defensive end position when Maggitt graduates.

Kyle will have some great guys in front of him teaching him the ropes and rigors of playing against SEC savvy offensive lineman. They really do not care how many stars you had coming out of high school. Remember, these tackles and tight ends see the best defensive ends in the country week in and week out.

It is much more than speed and strength. Fortunately for Vol fans, Kyle Phillips has it all. He is going to be a special player at Tennessee, and you will start noticing that right off. He will play quite a bit in a reserve roll. It is almost unfair to the opposition. We are ok with that.

Next: Keep Your Eye on This Guy!