Interview: 2021 Tennessee DE Phillip Husband Coming Up Big for No. 1 Brentwood Academy
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Eagles have pushed past the first half of the 2020 season with a perfect 6-0 record currently ranked No. 1 in-state by MaxPreps with sights set on capturing a Class II-AAA state championship. One of the unsung heroes on the defense getting it done regardless of the opposition is senior defensive end Phillip Husband.
Playing to the strongside of the field, Husband has come up big in key games for the Eagles this season tallying 30 stops with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, three passes broken up, and one fumble recovery in stats posted through five games. The talents of the 6-2, 230-pound, end are growing after a breakout junior run. In 2019, Husband pushed his abilities forward recording 53 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two passes broken up, and one fumble recovery. The productivity on the field has brought offers from Wheaton College and Birmingham Southern with interest building.
Ahead of another big showdown against Knoxville Catholic, Husband sat down for an RNG confab filling us in on his senior season and recruiting process.
Interview
Phillip, your senior season has been impressive so far and continues to build, and you are getting after it in multiple ways. What has been the secret to your success so far in 2020?
I believe my success… multiple things have contributed to it. I have worked on my speed, my get-off, and pursuing to the ball. Those are key factors at making more tackles for me than last year six games into the season. My speed and really keying in, even if the ball is 30-yards away, I am pursuing to make a play. I dropped weight from last year, which has helped. I was 240 last year, I am 225 to 230 this year. Being lighter, I feel like I am gliding to the ball faster.
What has been a motivational force for you this season so far?
Since it is my senior season, I have been playing with a lot of these guys since sixth grade, some longer going back to Pee Wee ball. I know how to gel with them and I know it will be my last time playing with them. I want to play hard for them and I want to play hard for my defensive line coach as well, Coach O’Brien. He’s a guy I want to play hard for and for my teammates.
Looks like the Eagles are running multiple fronts. What all are you guys running on defense this season?
We are a base 3-4 with a strong safety, outside linebacker, and two inside backers. Sometimes we go to a nickel with two outside linebackers and three defensive linemen. We keep it basic.
I’ve seen you lined up on the left tackle and right tackle. How are the coaches utilizing your skills week to week against the different offenses?
Our coaches get together on Sunday putting the game plan together, they do a great job of that. I am a strong side defensive end. Usually I am to the field. I can move well in space and with my pursuit, it works. If the ball is on the right hash, I will be to the field and get to the ball.
From the offseason through the first six games of the season, where do you feel that you are showing the biggest improvements overall from your junior run?
My speed and my durability. During my junior year, I could probably go on a 12-play drive but be physically shot at the end of it. This year I can do 12-play drives and I am well-conditioned to keep going. I think one thing I can improve on is my get-off and one other thing I have shown improvement on is my push-pull move. I like to get my hands on the offensive tackles shoulder pads, push them and then pull them to get them on skates. I like using a rip move taking my arm by my ear hole ripping down on the offensive tackle’s arm to get pressure on the quarterback.
Which game so far this year has been your personal best, and why?
I’d say the Father Ryan game. I had 4.5 sacks in that one. That is my personal all-time high in sacks. I had some tackles and a deflected a ball in that game too.
That certainly qualifies. That’s a fantastic game.
Thank you.
Which areas of your game are you continuing to work on seeking to improve as the Eagles get closer to the playoffs?
Like I mentioned, my speed and my conditioning. As the season goes on, I will become even more durable with the experience of playing. We are lifting throughout the season, getting stronger. We lift two days a week, on Monday and Wednesday before school. That is a key factor in how we perform. As we get stronger, that helps us.
What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?
My pursuit, I can finish tackles well, and when an offensive tackle pulls down on the line working up to block a linebacker or nose guard, I can jam him down on a read option. If the quarterback gets the ball off, I will be the one getting the running back. If the quarterback keeps it, I got him. My big difference is reading things better and faster.
Going into recruiting. I know you have two offers; which schools have offered?
Wheaton College and Birmingham Southern.
Which schools are showing interest?
Army, Swanny, Centre, Tusculum, and Lindsey Wilson.
Over the summer, did you take any virtual visits?
Yes, sir. I took virtual visits with the schools that have offered and I did multiple calls with them. And I was able to see Birmingham Southern in-person.
Do you have any planned visits ahead?
Yes, I am planning on visiting Wheaton at the end of October. We are trying to work that out. I visited Southern last weekend.
How did the visit to Birmingham Southern go?
I got a pretty nice campus tour by two of their players. I liked that a lot. It was a tour with two potential guys that I could be playing with next season. We were able to talk and see the campus. Their head coach talked to us as well. He talked about the expectations and standards there. We took a tour of their stadium and weight room, and then I got an offer.
That makes it a fantastic visit.
Yes, sir.
The last in-state game for the Eagles was a 34-21 win over Father Ryan. Overall, how is the team looking so far this season?
We are looking great. So far, we are 6-0, 2-0 in region. We are a little banged up here and there. On defense we are looking great. We had a lot of injuries last year, but this year we’ve been blessed to not have those injuries. Our team is looking great, and we have a great staff. Our main team theme is, “many strands weave a strong rope.” If we continue to abide by that, we will make a good run in playoffs with a shot at winning a state championship.
Next up is a Saturday showdown against Knoxville Catholic (1-2-1). What kind of game will their offense give you and the team?
Their quarterback is Kaden Martin, Tee Martin’s son. We had trouble with him last year. He is great, we will key on him. Their offensive line is great as well. We have to play hard against them for the win.
Once the season has concluded, what have you set for yourself to accomplish?
Winning a state championship and enjoying this time with my teammates and coaches. We are halfway through the season… spending time with my team and friends and playing with them.
Last question. The ACT and SAT were cancelled over the spring. Before that happened, did you get to take either test?
Yes. On the ACT I scored a 21. Our school is providing one on Oct. 6. I am taking it again to boost the score up.
Awesome. Phillip, it was a lot of fun covering ground on your senior season to date and recruiting. Wishing you and the Eagles success the rest of the way until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Husband family; Phillip Husband