Three Takeaways: Joseph Phillips’ Senior Film

Auburn commitment Joseph Phillips shows off all-around skills

There are many reasons for Auburn Tigers fans to be happy about the 2024 recruiting class. A good reason to smile should be edge defender Joseph Phillips.

Watching his senior film, it honestly shocked me. I knew he was good but did not realize his overall talents. Here’s my take on Phillips and what he’s bringing to the Plains.

1) Versatility is tremendous!

Playing for Tuskegee (Ala.) Booker T. Washington, Phillips did more than use his 6-foot-2 and 250-pound frame to be an edge defender. That’s where most project him to play for Auburn, but here’s the lowdown.

Quarterback, middle linebacker, and edge defender are all spots where Phillips excels on the prep level. You read that correctly, quarterback is a spot where Phillips is a standout. Whether running the football or throwing it deep, he makes plays.

Now, he’s not the next Cam Newton. I’m not suggesting that one bit. When Phillips takes off, however, he showcases the ability to spin out of a tackle, use a stiff arm, and the power to lower the boom!

Those traits will translate to the defensive side of the football for Auburn. He's going to get off blocks faster and create havoc for the Tigers.

2) Phillips is a smart and instinctive football player.

This is short and sweet. Phillips sees the play develop, then he sets his course and finally brings the ball carrier down. Sound simple? It’s not.

Phillips has a unique sense of the proper angle to take even when he’s running across the field to bring down a receiver that going down the sideline.

At the SEC level, that’s the difference between a five-yard gain and an 80-yard touchdown.

3) Auburn can use Phillips in different packages and situations.

He might be 250 pounds, but Phillips can flat-out run. Yes, he’s likely to play on the edge for the Tigers. That point does not rule out Phillips being used as an inside linebacker during goal-line and short-yardage situations, or blitzing from an inside linebacker spot.

During third-down passing situations, he’s also someone that Auburn can drop into coverage and zone blitz with a safety or linebacker. There are not many 250-plus-pound players that can be successful in this endeavor, but Phillips is that guy.

He’s going to be 260, maybe even 270 pounds in a year or two. He’s such a good athlete that there will be ways for the Tigers to keep opposing teams off balance with how Phillips is utilized. He’s a darn-good football player.

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2024 Auburn Commitments and Evaluations

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