Interview: Georgia 2018 LB KJ Phillips Proving to be a Top Playmaker in Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

All stats in all sports are what one wants to make of the numbers. For example, former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl, a stat used against him when fans bicker about the all-time greats. A stat of Marino’s that is undeniable, he left the game in 1999 as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards with 61,361 yards, during an era when passing the ball was not as wildly popular as in today’s game. Marino’s stat rings a little bit louder knowing he had 9,886 more yards passing than the next closest all-time great on the list, John Elway (51,475), at the time of his retirement.

Sometimes these guys are just that much better than the others.

Stats at the high school level can be misleading or useful, it all just depends. For example, a great receiver may not play in an offense that passes the ball thus bad stat line, no fault of said player. Another receiver can have gaudy stats because the entire offense is ran through him; what receiver wouldn’t want 30 targets a game to put up video game numbers?

On the defensive side of the ball, padding stats cannot be done. Defensive stats in the affirmative is a culmination of determination and ability. For KJ Phillips, he has all that and more, and the undeniable stats to prove it.

A college coach or scout can never say Phillips has not dominated his competition. The Class of 2018 rising star has been a standout on the Georgia gridiron at the varsity level since his freshman year. Stats that cannot be downplayed, a team-high 158 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and six sacks as a freshman. The next overwhelming stat line, in 2015 Phillips bested himself coming up with another team-high 178 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks, and one interception.

The quick knock could be the level of competition or he did well on a bad team thus was always playing defense. Phillips is the stud linebacker stopping the opposition for well-known Woodward Academy in College Park. The War Eagles went 11-3 in 2014 and picked it up a level during Phillip’s sophomore season making a 13-1 run to the Georgia 4A semifinal round in the playoffs.

Phillips has not slowed down his roll during his junior campaign. The War Eagles are 3-1 and their 5-9, 200 pound, linebacker already has at least 48 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. At his current pace he will add another All-State award to his list of honors next to his second-team placing as a freshman and his first-team listing as a sophomore. The honors are piling up after he took home the Freshman Adidas All-American Game MVP. Playing against top national talent in his peer group, he had 19 tackles and forced two fumbles showcasing his abilities for all to see even then.

College coaches are starting to come around on Phillips. Since no one can deny his abilities as a run stuffer, all want to know if he can drop back as a safety or fill in as a nickel against a slot. He is already covering the slot for Woodward. Phillips could add a couple of inches and be an outside linebacker at the next level or stay around his current height and be an impact player in a Power Five secondary; time will tell.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top rising stars in the 2018 class to get a rundown on his skill set, an overview on the War Eagles season, and a recruiting news update.

Interview

KJ, the War Eagles were 13-1 last year, losing a tough game to Buford. How has that semifinal game motivated you guys going into the 2016 season?

“It has been a great motivator. That left a bitter taste in our mouth. Everyone wants to go to the Dome. If we keep working on the little things, practice hard, and keep focused we will have another great season. We have to stay on top of our game, have a team-first approach, and make sure we are prepared.”

How does the team look so far this year as compared to last year?

“We look great. Our defense is doing well. Our offense is doing a good job too. We are a family and we are always working hard. Everyone is doing their job.”

Which game this year was your best?

“Marist (won 32-0) was my best game.”

What did you do in that game that made it your best?

“I believe I had 13 tackles. I forced some fumbles and was making plays.”

Who is the best lineman or running back you have gone up against either this year or last year?

“My freshman year I went against Kwon Bryant (North Oconee, Class of 2015). He is one those 5-9, 210 pound, workhorse running backs. One person could not bring him down. He was tough to stop. We won the game, but in my opinion he was the best I have played thus far in high school.”

The natural instincts are there, what else gives you that edge on being such a highly productive linebacker for Woodward?

“My family, my faith, and my grandmother. I focus on her before every game.”

What are some of the things you do well on the field as a linebacker?

“Reading my keys, going through blocks, and knowing the play before it happens. I have to keep improving and keep doing best for my teammates. My reaction skills are good. I’m working on ripping through blockers.”

You mentioned ripping through blockers as something you are working on, what else are you working on this season?

“My cover skills, for college. That part of the game is so important in college. I’m working on supporting my teammates to keep everyone uplifted. That is what we are supposed to do.”

Did you max out in the weight room this summer?

“Yes, sir. My bench max was 310, 455 on squat, and 285 power clean.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer and if so what did you post?

“I ran a 4.62.”

Which camps did you go to this summer?

“I believe I went to an Auburn camp, Boston College, and Duke. That is all I can think of right now.”

What did you learn from the various camps that you have incorporated into your game going forward?

“I learned to study the playbook, read the keys, and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Clemson, Navy, Duke, BC (Boston College), Colorado State, Virginia, Louisville, Furman, North Carolina-Charlotte, and Georgia.”

I know you have at least one offer. Which school has given you an offer?

“Charlotte.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have been to Florida State, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, and I went to Notre Dame last weekend.”

How did the Notre Dame visit go for you?

“I enjoyed the visit a lot. I liked their campus a lot too.”

What all did you do during your visit there?

“I watched some film, walked around the campus, and learned a lot about the student-athlete part of Notre Dame. That is the most important part. I got to see the passion of the players and the fan base. I really enjoyed myself.”

Do you have any visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. I am going to Auburn this weekend.”

What are you looking forward to learning during your Auburn visit?

“I’m just looking forward to having a great time, enjoying the game, and meeting new people.”

What feedback are you getting from the college coaches about your game?

“They love the way I hustle down the field and that my heart is in each game. They like that I have my teammates back and that they trust me to make plays and I trust them to do the same.”

Do you participate in any other sports at Woodward?

“Yes, sir. I ran track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, and I throw the shotput.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 3.75.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“Yes, sir. I have taken both. I got a 1040 on the SAT and a 22 on the ACT. I am retaking both tests to see if I can do better.”

Other than the Auburn game, is there any other college football game you are excited to see this weekend?

(laughs) “Honestly, I am excited to see the Auburn game. If I had to pick another one I would say the Clemson game.”

KJ, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the rest of your season and enjoy your visit to Auburn.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Phillips family; KJ Phillips at Notre Dame

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 5 KJ Phillips

Photo credit: Phillips family; KJ Phillips (right) on the field at Notre Dame.