Kyle Phillips
Defensive End
Tennessee
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Kyle Phillips: I am 6’4, 270 and I have been running a 4.7 consistently during training.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Kyle Phillips: At XPE in Boca Raton, FL with Tony Villani.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Kyle Phillips: March 14th.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Kyle Phillips: I was a big-time recruit. I had Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State and every team in the SEC.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Tennessee?
Kyle Phillips: I am from Nashville. I knew Derek Barnett and Rashaan Gaulden. I thought that we would do big things. I knew them around the area. The University of Tennessee is not far from Nashville. I got comfortable with the guys.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the Shrine Game.
Kyle Phillips: It was a great experience. I got a lot of exposure. Every NFL team was there. I met with over 20 teams. It was a chance to show my talent and the work that I have been putting in.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that all-star game?
Kyle Phillips: It was a chance to find out what teams thought about me. Somebody wanted me at about 260, and other teams wanted me at 280. I feel comfortable at 270. I feel good at this weight.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback did you receive from scouts?
Kyle Phillips: They see me as a guy that can rush the passer. I am a physical run defender. They see me as an every down end. They love my versatility.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced at the Shrine Game?
Kyle Phillips: The kid from Elon (Oli Udoh). He was a great kid. He was long and very athletic. He performed well and got an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Kyle Phillips: I bring high motor and great energy. I made a lot of plays because of my high effort. I was chasing plays downfield. I also have good athletic ability.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Kyle Phillips: Working on my footwork and pass rush. At Tennessee, I played DE in a 3-4. The focus was on stopping the run. I am working with the DL coach and perfecting my craft.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Kyle Phillips: I was a highly recruited player. We had players like Derek Barnett, Josh Malone, Alvin Kamara and Josh Dobbs. We won our bowl game the first two years. I earned a starting role my junior year. I had my best year as a senior. I got better every year. I was top three in tackles, second on the team in sacks and I got a pick six against Alabama my senior year.
Alex Khvatov: Why didn’t Tennessee win more games?
Kyle Phillips: The SEC conference is tough. We had great talent the first two years. But we couldn’t win close games. It boils down to winning those tough games.
Alex Khvatov: What did the new coaching staff bring this past year?
Kyle Phillips: Coach Pruitt came in and changed the culture during my senior year. He wanted us to be a tough, physical football team.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Kyle Phillips: Beating Northwestern in a bowl game my freshman year and beating Nebraska in a bowl game my sophomore year. Getting the pick six versus No.1 Alabama my senior year. Not many D-linemen get a chance to scored a TD on a pick six.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Kyle Phillips: Getting the starting spot. Being a starter in the SEC. Also getting my college degree in sports management.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Kyle Phillips: I had three different defensive coordinators and three DL coaches. I am very versatile. I know different schemes and defenses. I also improved my football IQ this past season. Tracy Rocker taught me a lot this year.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Kyle Phillips: Cameron Jordan from the Saints. He has a high motor. He is an every down DE. I enjoy watching him. He is very strong and explosive.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DL?
Kyle Phillips: Motor especially at the NFL level. Everybody is athletic, strong and smart. A lot of sacks come from extra effort plays.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Kyle Phillips: Film study is very important. I always look at the down and distance. The depth of the RB, the O-linemen stance and splits.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Kyle Phillips: OLB Darrell Taylor is very explosive and athletic. Jauan Jennings is a big WR. He is a playmaker who wins 50-50 balls. Marquez Callaway is a physical, big and tough WR.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the toughest SEC opponent?
Kyle Phillips: Definitely Alabama. They are talented and well-coached. They come at you in many different ways. With Tua at QB, they expanded the offense and were more dangerous offensively.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Kyle Phillips: Baker Mayfield. He was amazing. He made so many plays. He escaped tackles. He made a name for himself that game.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Kyle Phillips: Football is all about competition. It brings the best out of you. It is all about competing and winning. It is a character building sport. It tests you physically and emotionally. I also love the camaraderie.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Kyle Phillips: A leader comes in and works hard. He can have an influence on somebody. Positive leaders build you up.
Alex Khvatov: Who was your favorite teammate at Tennessee?
Kyle Phillips: My favorite teammate was LB Curt Maggitt. He came to work every day. He was influential.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Kyle Phillips: I am a big movie guy.
Alex Khvatov: What recent movie would you recommend to others?
Kyle Phillips: Black Panther was a good movie.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Kyle Phillips: My dad and my mom coached in college. My dad was a football assistant at Tennessee State. My mom was a women’s basketball coach at Tennessee State. She is now the athletics director at the school.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Kyle Phillips: Tough, determined, consistent, leader and influential.
