Kenny Phillips Analysis

Overview
By becoming the ninth safety to earn All-American honors, Kenny Phillips carries on the school's tradition of producing elite defensive backs.

Burgess Owens was the first Miami safety to garner All-American recognition (1972) and it was nine years before the next one was selected in Fred Marion (1981). Bennie Blades was the school's first-time All-American safety (1986-87) and Ed Reed matched that total in 2000-01. Sean Taylor (2003) and Brandon Meriweather (2005) soon followed with their postseason honors.

The coaching staff called Phillips a player with the build of Sean Taylor and the knowledge and quickness of Ed Reed. With that combination, along with physical play that could rival that of any Hurricane linebacker, NFL scouts took notice.

Being regarded as the best safety in the game is nothing new with Phillips. While attending Carol High School he was rated the best safety in the prep ranks, earning USA Today Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior free safety. The Parade All-American and Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team selection was also a member of the USA Today All-USA High School Football team and rated the nation's best safety prospect and 12th-best player regardless of position by Rivals.com.

Phillips was ranked as the best safety and the 10th-best overall prospect by Scout.com and the top prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald. He ranked as the best prospect in the state by the Orlando Sentinel, the second-best overall prospect in the country by the Tampa Tribune, and the 10th-best overall player by Tom Lemming. He was also a member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75 squad and played in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl.

He intercepted 16 passes during his career and, as a senior, he finished with 84 tackles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, four defensive touchdowns and three punt returns for touchdowns. As a junior, he delivered 54 tackles and seven interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder. As a sophomore, he made three interceptions and also competed in basketball and track. Click here to continue reading...