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Kyle Phillips: 'It's his time'

The acclaim of a 5-star recruit, coupled by preseason praise from his coaches, made everyone feel like defensive end Kyle Phillips was destined to be the next in line as fall camp wrapped before the 2015 season.

Two injury riddled seasons later, and the Nashville native is finally starting to make a move on the depth chart.

"Definitely after the Georgia Tech game, I felt like I got back into the groove of playing," Phillips said. "Coming off surgery and getting back into it. It takes time. I got my feet wet and got into the groove a little bit. I was just every excited about how I played."

After seeing snaps on a limited basis against Georgia Tech, Phillips was really good Saturday. He was disruptive and showcased an ability to seal the edge and create pressure.

"He was our player of the game on defense," defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said. "He came in with big accolades out of high school. It's his time now. He's battled the injury situation which has probably prevented him from reaching his potential, but in the last two games he's played pretty good."

Phillips has four tackles with one for loss and batted a pass during the game against Indiana State. Head coach Butch Jones saw Phillips show flashes that had so many great schools chasing him coming out of Hillsboro High in the mid-state during the 2014 prep season.

The former 5-star showcased his abilities on the prep level and then on the national scene at the U.S. Army All-American Game. He was a one-man wrecking crew in Texas and most expected him to follow Derek Barnett after receiving the praise before his injuries.

"We thought he played one of his best football games since he has been here," head coach Butch Jones said Monday. "When we graded the defensive line, we thought he played the best on that unit. He was explosive and used his hands well. He ran to the football. Again another great story of resolve and perseverance. He's turning into a very good leader for us."

The shoulder injuries over the last two seasons have had Phillips on the back-burner. Sometimes a forgotten man, he never hung his head. He just continued to work, but he'll be the first to admit it did get restless not being able to contribute.

"It's been pretty frustrating with the injuries," Phillips said. "I got a little action playing defensive tackle. I know that's not my natural position, but any game experience is great experience. I was blessed with the opportunity to do that. Now that I'm healthy and playing defensive end, I'm excited for these next two years here."


Now, Phillips will be called upon to help lead on the edge of the defensive line. He knows that Saturday's game against Florida will be a grind. After playing two teams that didn't allow a pass rush due to their running scheme, Phillips knows this week will be about getting to the quarterback, which could prove to be very fruitful.

"That's definitely been frustrating," Phillips said. "As the season goes on, I'm going to have my opportunities and we are going to have our opportunities to rush the passer. We just have to remain patient. We have to go with a game plan and can't get out of our gap trying to make a play.

"They have two quarterbacks. They have a running quarterback and another guy. It's very crucial to know which quarterback is in. To know which guy is in so when the running quarterback is in you don't get out of your lane."

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