University of North Texas Athletics
2010 Player Preview: Jeremy Phillips
8/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Height: 6-3
Class: Sophomore
Signed: 2008 from Waller High School
2009 Key Stat: 1, his one pick of the season came against Western Kentucky and was the game clinching play for North Texas. This play stands out because it gave Phillips a big shot of confidence to carry over for the rest of the year and it showed. He ended the season with 37 tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss.
Why he will start: He started three games last season late in the year after Kylie Hill got hurt. Phillips played well and he went into and out of the spring as the incumbent at that position. He's bulked up a bit and his speed is a big asset at that spot on the field.
Why he won't start: A couple of names to watch at this position that will push Phillips in the fall. One is Forlando Johnson. The transfer had a good spring and with Gary DeLoach sprinkling in a 3-4 look more and more this fall, an extra linebacker will be needed. Another name is John Shorter. He started the last game of the year in place of Phillips at this position and turned in his best performance in a Mean Green jersey. However due to his off the field issues he missed the spring and came into fall camp behind everyone else.
Don't forget: Is the brother of former TCU linebacker Jason Phillips and he is a former quarterback in high school. That being said Phillips has adapted nicely to the linebacker role and has taken after his brother more.
Overall: The linebackers are a huge question mark for North Texas but Phillips has a chance to answer those questions. He must be able to not only cover in the space but play the run. His size is a little bit bigger than last year, but he's going to be a target of opposing teams because of his size and lack of experience.
