Talented Safety prospect Jalyn Phillips (6’1, 195) from Archer HS, GA has officially inked with the Clemson Tigers. Phillips is one of 4 (or 3 depending on how you view LB/S commit Ray Thornton) Safety commits in the 2019 class for the Tigers. Oklahoma was ultimately Clemson’s biggest competition to land his signature, and his 24/7 page sports over 50 verbal offers.
A quick look at Jalyn’s film shows that he’s very strong against the run, and is never afraid to throw a shoulder in. He’s closes on the ball carrier well and fits the role Clemson asks its Free Safeties to play. While he is strong against the run, there are not many clips of him in pass coverage, so this will be a question mark until we see more of him. With that said, he is a good athlete with solid top speed (4.5-4.6 40 time), so it’s not as though he doesn’t possess the skills to succeed in this area.
Based on what we are able to see on film, Phillips looks to be rated accurately by recruiting services (441st nationally per 24/7’s composite). I expect Phillips to redshirt unless depth requires otherwise, however, Phillips is a good take at a position of need for the Tigers. Phillips joins Andrew Booth as the 2nd player to sign with Clemson out of Archer High School in the 2019 cycle.
Jalyn Phillips Senior highlights can be found here:
QT’s Take:
Phillips, much like Thornton, will be interesting to track throughout his career. Clemson selected him over other potential Safety takes at the time of his commitment.
Phillips profiles a good bit like Thornton as a possible Safety, but also more of a Nickel/SAM hybrid player in the ‘cheetah’ role that Simmons plays this year and DO’D played last year. Phillips has size at 6’1 and length. He comes from a great program at Archer HS and is well coached.
He likes to come up in run support and predominantly played close to the line of scrimmage in high school. Doesn’t shy away from contact. He can blitz and rush the passer. He isn’t fluid in coverage with his change of direction or flipping his hips, more of a read and react kind of player. If he is playing Free Safety it will be a longer transition, but could contribute on special teams earlier. Had a quality Senior campaign, but still probably needs a redshirt year and another year in the system to transition, however numbers and depth might push him towards the field.