From SEC Country:
Tennessee is in the mix for multiple top defensive back prospects in the Class on 2019. The Vols have put a lot of effort into the recruitment of 4-star safety Jalyn Phillips who announced (via twitter) hell make his final decision on Aug. 20. Tennessee is squarely in the mix for Phillips heading into the summer.
Something to note, there were some whispers about Phillips making a trip to Knoxville for a visit this past weekend for the Orange and White game. He went to Alabamas spring game instead. The Vols will battle out the recruitment with Alabama and Oklahoma with Georgia and Clemson also receiving some consideration.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Phillips last visited Knoxville on Feb. 24 for a junior day. Look for the Vols to push for another visit sometime this summer.
This coaching staff has caught the Lawrenceville, Ga., natives eye. Just the whole new coaching staff, Phillips told SEC Country in March. The way they are changing things around up there, its going to be something special. I cant wait to see it.
VOLS ARE COMING HARD: "Tennessee is one of the top three schools recruiting me the hardest right now I would day. They are really talking about the opportunity to play early and to see the field when I get there. They have a whole new staff there, so they have a new plan and they want some new talent. I have been talking to coach Fair and coach Kelly a lot and I like what they are saying. They are definitely on my list."
DATE IS SET: "I will commit August 20, my birthday. I feel I will be ready then. I may take a couple official visits this summer before then, but I will be ready."
THE FACTORS: "One, it is about relationships and who I feel best with. Two, it is about letting me compete and having a chance to play early. The last one is feeling like part of the family there."
RIVALS REACTION: Oklahoma definitely set the bar high, so the Sooners definitely have Phillips' attention. He had OU on top of his list at one time, but he has backed off having a leader at this time. As we say in the recruiting world follow the visits. Where he shows up at early in the summer could give you an idea where his head is at that time. Official visits will be big for Phillips as he works towards a late summer decision.