The 50 Greatest Miami Hurricanes: #49 Kenny Phillips

Continuing with the list of the 50 Greatest Miami Hurricanes, we have Kenny Phillips up next at #49.  Phillips ultimately chose to attend the University of Miami over Tennessee, Florida State and North Carolina State.

In his freshman year, Phillips was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team after starting 11 games at free safety. He ranked third on the team with 93 tackles (58 solo), recovered two fumbles, broke up four passes and recorded one interception. Phillips interception came against the Clemson Tigers in triple overtime and sealed the win for the Hurricanes.

As a sophomore, Phillips was named to the All-ACC 1st Team and 2nd team All-American by Rivals.com. He started 10 games out of 10 at strong safety, missing only three games due to a torn ACL. He ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 71 total, broke up six passes, and recorded four interceptions. Phillips earned “ACC Defensive Back of the Week” honors for his play against Duke in which he tied a University of Miami record with three interceptions in one game.

Phillips was also named to the 2006 All-ACC Academic Football Team.  As a junior, Phillips was named to the All-ACC 1st Team for a second straight year, and 2nd team All-American for a second straight year. He started 12 games out of 12 at safety. Phillips ranked second on the team with a career high, 95 tackles(69 solo), made 6.5 tackles for loss, forced three fumbles, broke up five passes and intercepted two passes.

Phillips played during a “down” time at the University of Miami, Larry Coker was driving the program into the ground at the time.  Phillips was one of the bright spots that showed Miami could still get the top talent in the country, and have them actually live up to expectations on the field.  Phillips was drafted in the first round with the 31st overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2008 NFL Draft, he is currently still playing for the Giants.