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Tennessee defensive end Kyle Phillips named to the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy watch list

Phillips is up for a different kind of award.

NCAA Football: SEC Football Media Day Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee senior defensive end Kyle Phillips has been named to the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy watch list. What is the Wuerffel Trophy? It is described as college football’s premier award for community service.

This award combines your on the field achievement with your work in the classroom and the community. “The Wuerffel Trophy is presented at the Annual All Sports Association Banquet to the college football player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.”

Phillips represented Tennessee alongside Marquez Callaway and Eli Wolf and was described as an emerging leader by first-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt.

Playing his first full season as a starter for Tennessee in 2017, Phillips recorded 33 total tackles, 4.5 of which were tackles for losses. He sacked the quarterback twice last season in 11 total games.

This season Phillips will likely play more of an interior role as the new staff starts their transition to a 3-4. He’s up to 273 pounds as he prepares for that move.

Phillips will be a key piece in the Tennessee defense and has a shot to take home one of the most respected awards in college football today.