Interview: Big 11-Offer 3-Star 2021 Texas DL Torey Phillips Covers Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Torey Phillips is one of those first guys off the bus players. At 6-6.5, 295-pounds, his presence in street clothes demands attention and certainly does coming off the line in full-pads. As a two-way starter for Pleasant Grove High School, Phillips got after it on defense playing a 5- and 3-technique and on offense at left tackle. College football teams that have scouted the three-star recruit see him as a next level defensive lineman, and for good reason, with 11 offers dropped.
Covering his senior season and recruiting process ahead of National Signing Day, Phillips headed over to the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Torey, the Hawks defense was on it this season holding six teams to a single-digit score. What was working for you guys on that side of the ball to be so effective?
I feel like everyone was flying to the ball and we were all playing on the same page; that helped us a lot. Everyone was locked in to a full tilt mindset.
Looks like the defense switched it up some up front depending on the opposition. What was the base defense and variations of the scheme, and where all were you lining up in the schemes?
Our base was a 3-4. I was lining up from a 5-tech to a 3-tech. I was everywhere.
How did you overall game improve on defense during the 2020 season?
I feel like my game improved more on playing instead of thinking. I was head hunting more this season. During my first year, I was thinking too much. This year my technique and my hands got way better. I was reading my keys faster and my pass rushing improved a lot. I knew where the quarterback was at all times this season.
After the year turned in, what do you feel are the strengths to your game on that side of the ball?
I feel like my strengths on defense are shedding blocks and playing the run.
Did you get some time in on offense this season?
Yes, sir; at left tackle.
Did you start at left tackle?
Most games I did start, in some we rotated.
What offensive scheme were the Hawks running?
We were a run-heavy team in a prostyle with a fullback and a wing back.
Going the other way, when the season ended what did you feel were your strengths as an offensive lineman?
My strengths, because I am really good at basketball, stopping the pass rush and keeping my man in front of me. My pass blocking was definitely a strength.
In which game this season did you turn in your best overall performance?
The first half of the Carthage game, and the Silsbee game was a good one too.
Why did you pick either one of those games?
Carthage, that was one of our most competitive games. Everyone was locked in and wanted that game. When we played them last year, they were going at me with the stretch play. I needed to show I could stop it and set the edge for my team.
With your speed chasing down plays and quarterbacks, what is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
My last 40-yard time was a 4.8.
Nice. You mentioned playing basketball a few minutes ago, are you guys in-season now?
Yes, sir.
How is the season going so far?
We are 6-2, we played last night (Saturday).
For you personally, how are you doing?
Pretty good. I had 22 points and 12 rebounds in our last game.
Wow. Impressive.
Thank you, sir.
Let’s get into some recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but haven’t offered yet?
UCA (Central Arkansas).
How many offers are you holding?
I have 11 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
UIW (Incarnate Word), Kansas, and North Texas.
Phillips’ Offer Sheet (11): Arkansas (previous staff), Arkansas-Monticello, Austin Peay, Incarnate Word, Kansas, Lamar, Louisiana-Monroe, North Texas, Northeastern State, Tarleton State, and UNLV
At which position are most teams offering you?
Most of them are offering at defensive line.
Have you been able to take any visits in 2020?
The only place I was able to visit was Arkansas, then the pandemic kicked in.
How did the Arkansas visit go?
It went well. I visited the new staff, and really wanted to pick up that offer. It was good.
Being a senior with a big decision coming up, what does the ideal fit at the next level look like for you?
My fit is a hard-working defense, a team that is a brotherhood with good people around me, and in a good community. It has to feel like home. If it does feel like home, that is the place for me.
Torey, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success during the basketball season and with your recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Phillips family; Torey Phillips