The defensive line is one of the major focuses of the 2022 recruiting cycle and new defensive line coach, Nick Eason, will be tasked with rebuilding the Auburn football defensive line. Auburn will be expected to try and land 3-4 defensive linemen this class; especially after having to move J.J. Pegues to the defensive line due to lack of depth.
Jordan Phillips spent last Thursday on the Plains and indicated that he will return and had a productive visit, while getting to know the new Auburn football staff and the campus. Phillips talked to Bryan Matthews from Auburn Sports and had this to say about his visit:
"“It’s (Auburn) amazing. I like it. The old staff has offered me. This staff has not, but they said they like me. They love my size, they love my film, and they said they’ll be in touch.”"
When asked about Nick Eason, Phillips had this to say:
"“He’s a great dude, very real. He told us what he (Eason) expects from his players. He said it’s going to be hard. You’ve got to work hard.”"
He also talked about his recruitment and decision timeline:
"Recruitment: “Everybody is showing me love. I appreciate all the looks and all the interest and all the offers that I receive.”Timeline: “Whenever the time is right.”"
Phillips is a 3-star recruit out of Ocoee, FL, and ranks as the #634 overall recruit in the country and #95 defensive lineman in the 2022 recruiting class. Last season, he racked up over 71 tackles, 14 TFLs, 5 sacks, and also forced two fumbles in his junior season. He is a three-sport athlete for Ocoee High School, in which he also participates in wrestling and weightlifting. Phillips qualified for the 3A state wrestling tournament this past season.
Phillips currently holds offers from over 25 programs around the country, including Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Right now, multiple crystal ball predictions on 247Sports project Phillips to the Michigan Wolverines.
Nick Eason is going to be the x-factor in this recruitment and multiple people have been impressed with what he has done on the recruiting trail thus far. This recruitment is far from over, but Phillips fills an immediate need on the interior of the Auburn football defensive line.