San Diego State cornerback Bryce Phillips is enjoying a quality season for the Aztecs. The Long Beach native has totaled 27 tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception this season. The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Clark Phillips III, he has designs of playing in the NFL next year.
Phillips recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Phillips discussed playing at three different programs, going through the JUCO ranks, the biggest lessons he's learned, positional versatility, and more.
JM: It's been quite the journey for you, from Santa Ana College to Tennessee State, and now at San Diego State. What's the biggest lesson you've learned along the way?
Bryce Phillips: I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. I could talk about a lot of different things, but the biggest one was probably the need to be disciplined in your approach every single day.
You have to take football day by day. You could have a bad day or a good week, a good month or a bad month, the approach has to be all the same. The biggest thing is you have to win the day. Focus on today and do the right thing. It’s the small things that lead to big victories.
Sometimes people think the small things don’t matter. That’s the lesson I had to learn. That’s the biggest step I’ve taken since coming out of high school, going to JUCO, and then eventually a D-I program. It’s all about discipline.
JM: We love that. You've already recorded 27 tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception this season. You've had 21 PBUs and counting in the last three seasons. What is it about your game that allows you to get your hands on the ball?
Bryce Phillips: I feel like I do my best work when playing tight coverage. All of those plays I’ve made, I feel like I had tight coverage. Even on the receptions I’ve given up, I feel like I was right there and close to making a play.
I have confidence in my ability to play tight coverage. I try to stay within the hip pocket. Whether I allowed a catch, made a pass breakup, or even an interception, I was right there. I’m always on the hip and ready to make a play.
JM: It shows on tape. Your brother Clark Phillips III plays for the Atlanta Falcons. I’m sure he’s been a bit of a mentor to you as well. What did you learn from watching his journey?
Bryce Phillips: My brother Clark Phillips III was always the underdog as well. We have similar stories in that sense. His height [5-foot-9] was a big talking point throughout his pre-draft process. I don’t necessarily have the same challenges, because I’m 6-foot and 192 pounds.
Watching him grow up, he always did the small things right. It goes back to being disciplined. I learned a lot from him in that sense. He was always the hardest worker, the hardest everything on every team he’s ever been on.
He was always doubted because of his size. He continues to prove people wrong, even at the next level. I definitely model my game and my work ethic after him.
JM: There’s a lot to be learned from his journey to the pros. You've mostly played boundary corner, but do you feel like you can play nickel and safety at the next level?
Bryce Phillips: Definitely. I love playing safety and I love playing nickel. I’m always telling those around me, I wish I could occasionally play closer to the box at San Diego State, but I’m doing a great job at boundary corner. I feel like I’m great in run support.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?
Bryce Phillips: I’m trying to get my hands on a few more footballs. I want to keep producing pass breakups and interceptions. I’m trying to score a pick-six touchdown before the season ends! I want to be recognized as an All-Conference cornerback.
