In weak safety crop, Miami's Phillips stands out

Two out of three, Kenny Phillips says, isn't bad.

He set some goals when he went to the University of Miami (Fla.), he took his shot at achieving them and now he's focused on the NFL.

"I wanted to lead my team in interceptions one year. I did that one year. I wanted to be an Alll-American. I did that one year," Phillips says. "I wanted to win a national championship but that didn't happen. Sometimes it's like that."

Phillips, entering the NFL draft as a junior, probably timed his exit properly, even if he and the Hurricanes failed to win a title. The 6-2, 212-pound free safety is the best available player at his position almost by default.

"It's not a good year for safeties," says Eric DeCosta, director of college scouting for the Baltimore Ravens. "In fact, it's a bad year if you're really trying to upgrade at that position."

Phillips could be the exception, the only safety likely to go in the first round. Just ask him if he can handle the move to the NFL. Confidence must count somewhere in this equation.

"I can do everything," he says. "I can cover pretty good. I'm physical. I'm a sure tackler. I can play special teams. I'm pretty much the complete package."

He follows a line of other Miami safeties who were top picks. Brandon Meriweather was the New England Patriots' No. 1 choice a year ago and Sean Taylor went fifth overall to the Washington Redskins in 2004.

Ed Reed, a No. 1 pick by the Ravens in 2002, is a four-time Pro Bowl choice and the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.

Meriweather hasn't yet become a starter but played in all 16 games for the Pats. Taylor, a gathering force with one Pro Bowl behind him, was killed during a burglary at his home last November. He was again named to the Pro Bowl and declared the starter to honor his memory.

Phillips says he never got to know Taylor but admires the way he played the game. Meriweather has been a consistent source of advice and tutoring, as have the many other Miami players in the NFL, who return to train and maintain their association with a storied, if now somewhat battered, program.

"It's a big advantage. They pretty much prepare us for what we should expect when we get into the league," Phillips says. "They help us so much that when we get into the league, we're very successful."

Meriweather was of immediate assistance when Phillips arrived at Miami, showing him the basics. Reed added the dimension of studying game tape endlessly.

"Him and Brandon have taught me how to watch film," says Phillips, estimating he spends three to four hours a day at it.
It's no small thing to have professional tutors available in person and by phone. Phillips says he talks to Meriweather every week and the idea of institutional memory is something scouts at least look at.

"Guys like Kenny get to be around Ed Reed and Brandon Meriweather and that camaraderie keeps building," DeCosta says.

Last season's 5-7 record ended Miami's streak of nine consecutive bowl appearances and marked the Hurricanes' first losing record since 1997. But the Hurricanes have produced No. 1 draft picks for 13 consecutive years and Phillips and defensive end Calais Campbell are the best hopes for continuing that enviable run.

"I don't want to be the one who messes up the tradition," Phillips says. "Nobody wants to be the one who messes up it."

So he has one more goal as a Hurricane. Three out of four wouldn't be bad.

(usatoday.com)