Kyle Phillips, DE
After struggling with injuries and inconsistency, Kyle Phillips has finally started to put it all together this season and is enjoying his best year as a Vol in his final season. He’s set career-highs in almost every major defensive category, and he’s been a solid veteran for Tennessee’s defense.
Phillips was another highly-rated prospect recruited during the Butch Jones era who looked like he was destined to never live up to the hype. And while this season is still far from a true “five-star” performance, Phillips has been one of the more consistent and effective front seven players for the Vols this season.
In 39 career games for the Vols, Phillips has 101 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks, an interception he returned for a touchdown, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
