Phillips first playing time, other than special teams, was starting the 2nd half of the first game his freshman year at DE. The coaches moved him to LB the next week. He's played DT and LB all the way up to high school.
He doesn't care where he's playing, as long as it gets him on the field. Recently sent a tape to Mr. Long of sophomore season when he was sometimes moved ino the backfield in a "stacked I" position. Mr. Long was unaware Phillips played offense ( mainly guard) and requested tape of him in the backfield.
The speed and level of competition questions will remain. However, Phillips has played his best against the larger schools and bigger games and he took 0.15 off his 40 working with a new high school coach for 2 months. Both the Nike and
OSU Sr. Camp times were on the same surface. I imagine working with a college strenght and conditioning coach in an individualized program, daily, might show greater benefits.