2011 Recruit Spotlight: Defensive Tackle Jordan Phillips

As CC discussed in his spotlight on DT Marquise Anderson, the DT spot is obviously an important position for OU heading into 2011.  To that point, OU has gone back into the state of KS to secure another one of the state's top recruits.  DT Jordan Phillips is a 6'6" 290 pound freak of an athlete out of Circle High School in Towanda, Kansas.  As you can tell by the picture, the previous description of "freak" is most definitely a compliment.  Any kid who is that big and can get up that high on a basketball court definitely falls under the "freak athlete" label.  As do a lot of high school kids, Phillips played on both sides of the ball starring at defensive tackle as well as tight end.  Now, can you imagine having to line up against this kid if your an opposing LB or Safety?  Can you imagine what would happen if this kid caught you on a crack-back block?  Oh wait, you don't have to imagine it just click the jump to witness it

So yeah, how bad do you feel for that kid now? 

As you might expect, a kid like Phillips playing in state of Kansas, wasn't matched up with the kind of elite talent he'll compete against once in Norman.  But that said, Phillips ability and potential were evident throughout the year and should only continue to progress once Jackie Shipp gets his hands on him.  At times, Phillips relied a little too much on his brute strength and will certainly need to work on his technique and pass rush ability.  He is incredibly strong at the point of attack and has an excellent burst off the ball.  Given his freakish athletic ability, there has even been talk that he could eventually wind up on the offensive of the ball at a position like left tackle.  OU certainly has been known to move guys from defense to offense and vice versa, but my guess is if Phillips is willing to put in the work he's the next star at DT for OU.