- Western Michigan CB Darius Phillips has shown an ability to play both in the slot and outside at a high-level thus far in his career. Phillips handled the talented USC passing game with no problems in Week 1. He was targeted five times by USC QB Sam Darnold and only allowed two catches for 13 yards, including a 12-yard catch to breakout candidate Deontay Burnett.
- Phillips has also displayed the ball skills that NFL evaluators covet in defensive back prospects. In 2016, Phillips had four interceptions and five passes broken up and five interceptions and 11 pass broken up in 2015. Against USC in Week 1, Phillips intercepted one pass and the passer rating when throwing into Phillips coverage was an embarrassing 8.3.
- Phillips also displayed his NFL-caliber kick return skills against the athletes of USC’s coverage units. Phillips racked up 171 yards on 4 kick returns for a 42.8 average and including a blistering 102-yard touchdown return. Phillips has now returned a kickoff for a touchdown in four straight seasons.
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