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Last August, Jaelan Phillips arrived at the University of Miami, weighing around 220 pounds, knowing he wasn’t going to be able to play in 2019 after transferring from UCLA earlier that year. After battling with injuries, there were some who thought he’d never get back to the playing level that made him the number one recruit in the country once upon a time in 2017.
Jaelan Phillips: "It's been a hell of a journey. I've been in college since 2017, the year I graduated early...A year ago, when I was back in LA and had stopped playing football, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to play at Miami." Says he's in the best shape of his life.
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) August 12, 2020
Now, the junior defensive end, who got to 270 pounds heading into the 2020 season, Phillips is among the most improved players in college football, and is a very strong candidate for declaring early for the NFL Draft.
Product of Redlands, CA. @CanesAccess pic.twitter.com/UpzpzrhY1R
— Jaelan Phillips ; ® (@JJPhillips15) November 21, 2020
When Gregory Rousseau announced that he’d be opting out for the 2020 season, I was a little skeptical on how Miami’s defensive ends would fare, but Phillips and fellow DE Quincy Roche have put those doubts to rest.
Highest-graded edge defenders in Wk 7:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 19, 2020
1. Quincy Roche, Miami - 91.6
2. Arnold Ebiketie, Temple - 89.7
3. Jaelan Phillips, Miami - 87.5
4. Myles Murphy, Clemson - 85.5 pic.twitter.com/3PhEub4Tc6
Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche combine for a sack. Phillips forces it out and Roche recovers. Huge for Miami. pic.twitter.com/B9UPJVKbxT
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) October 17, 2020
In the eight games that Miami has played this 2020 season, Phillips has been one of the more productive players not just on the defense, but the entire roster. In those eight games, Phillips has totaled 37 tackles, 10.5 TFLs and 5 sacks. He also added an interception against FSU.
Been a Minute
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) September 27, 2020
2017 All-American Jaelan Phillips (@JJPhillips15) intercepts a pass for @CanesFootball #ItsAllAboutTheU #AllAmericanBowl
pic.twitter.com/Q476qHKUJj
It’s been in the past two games however, where Phillips has elevated his play to another level.
I wasn't really excited about this EDGE class over Summer but watching the break outs from Azeez Ojulari, Jaelan Phillips and Kwity Paye has completely changed that
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) November 19, 2020
In the Canes Friday night showdown against NC State in early November, Phillips led the team with 10 tackles, 1.5 TFL and 1 sack, also breaking up a pass. His defensive efforts helped Miami escape Raleigh with a 44-41 win.
Jaelan Phillips beats his blocker back inside during an E/T stunt with the club/arm over. Gets the sack! #theu #miavsvt #miami pic.twitter.com/r0FbkUCVZb
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 14, 2020
The next week against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Phillips was fantastic once again. In a game where he was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, Phillips finished the day with 8 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks, as the Canes were victorious 25-24.
As we get started, some news: Defensive end Jaelan Phillips was just named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, while punter Lou Hedley was named the ACC Specialist of the Week.
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) November 16, 2020
Phillips had 8 tackles vs VT, including 4.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. Hedley averaged 52.4 yards/punt.
Jaelan Phillips | #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/eqXI3RXqbz
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) November 20, 2020
With a combined 18 tackles, 6 TFLs and 3.5 sacks in the last two games combined, Phillips stock in the 2021 NFL Draft has increased significantly, with some scouts now viewing him as a potential late first round-early second round pick.
I’m probably going to end up falling for Jaelan Phillips as we get closer to April. They just don’t make guys that move like that at that size often.
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) November 14, 2020
Whether or not Phillips will leave early for the NFL is a question that’ll most likely be answered sooner rather than later, but for now, let’s just keep watching him tear it up in a Hurricanes uniform.