Freshman Spotlight: Clark Phillips, Utah

As we get ready for the 2020 season at CFB Saturdays we will be spotlighting some of the key freshman we expect to play a big role for their teams this season. We are looking at highly talented players who have an opportunity to play and make an impact this fall. Utah CB Clark Phillips is in the Freshman Spotlight where we breakdown his impact on the 2020 season.

Background

Clark Phillips is the #50 ranked player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite. Phillips is from La Habra, CA where he was a two way star on the football field. Phillips had been committed to Ohio State for most of the recruiting process but de-committed before early signing day and ended up signing with and enrolling at Utah. Phillips was not able to take full advantage of early enrollment because Co-Vid 19 cut spring practices short. Utah has done a good job getting DBs to the NFL, but they lost several key contributors this past draft and will be counting on Phillips to step up this fall.

Scouting Report

Phillips is a good athlete with great agility and acceleration. He is not as fast as he is quick and explosive but has enough speed to play corner at a high level. Phillips displays good technique and understanding of the position allowing him to put himself in the best position to make plays on the ball. He has good footwork and fluid hips, wasting little time or movement when mirroring receivers. This coupled with his good ball skills, allow him to capitalize on his opportunities to make plays. He is a strong leaper whose explosiveness is on display when he goes up for jump balls. Phillips played on both sides of the ball and showed off his ball skills on offensive side of the ball. His short area quickness and cutting ability are evident on offense as well, where he makes defenders miss after the catch.

Phillips is not a big corner, he stands 5’10” and weighs 178 lbs. He does however use his skills and quickness to make up for his lack of size, putting himself in the best possible position to make the play. His size also does not hinder his aggressiveness defending the run, Phillips plays tough and is a willing hitter. There are times where size will limit his ability to make a play against a bigger player but Phillips is such a competitor he will be able to minimize these situations. His explosiveness, ball skills and competitive nature will allow Phillips to excel at corner, inside or on the perimeter. Clark Phillips is a versatile player who has all the tools to be Utah’s next great DB.

Outlook

Utah was in the Pac 12 championship game in 2019 and Kyle Whittingham will look to maintain that level of excellence going forward. In the defensive backfield the Utes lost three players to the NFL Draft in Jaylon Johnson, Julian Blackmon and Terrell Burgess. Also, Josh Nurse and Tareke Lewis who played a lot in 2019, but did not get drafted, contribute to a lack of depth in the secondary. The Utes will be searching for players to replace all of the experience they lost from 2019 and Phillips is a prime candidate to fill one of those openings. Other than JaTravis Broughton and Malone Mataele there isn’t much game experience returning in the defensive backfield. Phillips is the best recruit in Utah’s history and will be given every opportunity to win a spot in the secondary.

Clark Philips has the ability and opportunity to earn playing time early this season. The Utah secondary needs a star to emerge and Phillips has the demeanor and ability to be that star. He is a competitor whose attitude and nature will fit in perfectly with the Utah defense. Most young DBs suffer some growing pains and Phillips will likely have to grow into the position as well, but we are confident he will adjust quickly. There are not many experienced options ahead of him making it logical to let the most talented player get the reps he needs. Phillips will make his share of big plays and become a mainstay in Utah‘s defensive backfield.

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