Cam Phillips presents a real opportunity for college football programs across Kentucky in that he has an incredible frame with quite a bit of thickening yet to do but plays football at a small high school where he may get overlooked by D-1 programs. If I am recruiting for a small, prestigious program in and around Kentucky, I am licking my chops here. If you like a “steal,” we may have just found your guy!
Fletcher W. Long, Senior Scout and KPGFootball Editorial Board Member
Russellville High School has among the more storied traditions in the 1A classification across the western end of the commonwealth. Last season, ’21, the Panthers advanced to the title game and narrowly dropped a chance to win it all.
There were plenty of stars on last year’s team who “fell just short.” There will be plenty of stars on the ’22 edition and they all figure to have their eyes firmly on the ultimate prize.
One of those, who easily makes the KPGFootball “All-Frame Team” is Camden Phillips. Phillips plays offensive center and along the defensive line though he gets limited defensive run. Regardless, the hulking 6’5,” 250-pounder makes the most of his opportunities.
We all know a program has to be able to run the football to have championship level success in Kentucky. The Panthers, running behind a line anchored by Phillips, had great success in ’21.
In 459-rushes, the Panthers chewed up 3,044 ground yards for close to 203-rushing yards a night over 14-games and 6.63 or so yards per rushing attempt. The Panthers carried the football across the goal line from scrimmage 33-times or one every 14-or so rushing attempts.
Those statistics tell me the offense was very disciplined and capable of chewing up vast quantities of play-clock. That is a team capable of executing long drives, a key component of championship football.
Defensively, Phillips was spectacular when given opportunities. In spot-duty, Phillips had 13-tackles, 2.5-TFLs, and a QB-sack.
With his height and length, coupled with his athleticism, this kid could play DL, particularly DE, at the next level. We think it might be wise to get this guy some additional defensive work over his senior season.
Phillips plays 1A football in Kentucky at that classification’s highest level. It is difficult to get the “big schools” to pay attention to players below a certain classification. Therefore, Phillips presents a real opportunity for a small prestigious college to clean up a signature from a D-1 type frame.
Phillips’ 3.5-GPA indicates many suitors are likely to appreciate what he represents for its program. Phillips represents a player/student as easy on the eyes to the admissions committee as he is to the football coaching staff.
First, Phillips has a title to go win. First, he has to keep his eyes squarely focused on the ultimate prize. Then, the residue of goodness which flows from titles and keeping one’s eyes squarely focused on the ultimate prize will naturally follow.
This is Coach HB Lyon, reporting for KPGFootball, and we’re JUST CALLING IT LIKE WE SEE IT!
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