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Redlands East Valley (Calif.) defensive end Jaelen Phillips was a member of the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Preseason Team and one of 10 midseason candidates for ALL-USA Defensive Player of the Year.
Ranked as the No. 1 weakside defensive end in the nation and the No. 5 player overall by the 247Sports Composite, Phillips has led Redlands Valley to a 6-2 record and has been the leader of the defense after turnover from last season.
“Being a senior, I’ve really had to step up and lead the defense,” he told D1Gridiron.com. “I call the majority of the defenses during the game, so acting as an on-field Captain has been a fun responsibility but I believe that I’ve handled it well so far.”
An Army All-American, Phillips committed to UCLA in April, although he intends to visit Washington.
As for what he loves about playing defense, Phillips said it’s “the ability to make big plays on every play, and also how it’s more team oriented; all 11 players need to do their job to be successful. Sacks are fun, too.”
For more of the interview with Phillips, visit D1Gridiron.com.
Jaelen Phillips (Photo: 247Sports)