Clark Phillips III Earns National Recognition For Performance
Oct 2, 2022, 1:56 PM
Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) glides into the end zone for a touchdown after intercepting a pass as Utah and Oregon State play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY- Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III put everyone on high alert during the Rose Bowl that he’s one of the best players currently in college football. He reminded everyone again Saturday afternoon after a three-interception game that put the Utes ahead of Oregon State 42-16. For the effort, Phillips III was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.
Utah Football’s Best Defender
Utah football under head coach Kyle Whittingham hangs their hat on defense. That often means trying to pick out the best defender on the squad is a hard task. However, Phillips III continually makes big statements for the Utes when they are needed most.
Phillips III has been really good once again for the Utes earl on in the season, exemplified by yesterday’s performance. The first interception for Phillips III helped set up Utah’s first score of the game against the Beavers- a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cam Rising to receiver Jaylen Dixon.
The second interception for Phillips III was a 38-yard pick six that put Utah up 14-7 about halfway through the first quarter. Phillips III’s final interception came in the fourth quarter, a snag that prevented an Oregon State score in the end zone.
Walter Camp National Defensive Player Of The Week
The Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week award goes out to the most impressive defensive player. Since 2004 the Utes have had six players earn the nod with Phillips III being the latest. Defensive end Hunter Dimick was the last Ute to get the honor back in 2016.
Phillips III’s three interceptions were the most in a game since safety Robert Johnson had three interceptions against Colorado State in 2009. Phillips III and Johnson are tied for second all-time in school history for most interceptions in a game.
Phillips III is second in all of FBS and first in the Pac-12 with career interceptions returned for a touchdown at three in 2022. He is tied for first nationally in interceptions on the year at four total.
