NC State junior RB target Tai Phillips returning strong after injury

PEMBROKE — Fayetteville (N.C.) Cape Fear junior running back Tai Phillips had his season delayed due to a broken fibula.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder missed the first five games of the season, and returned last week against Lumberton (N.C.) High, but had a bigger role Friday at Pembroke (N.C.) Purnell Sweet High.

Cape Fear was clearly the better team and used the ground game between Phillips and senior quarterback Geronimo Sanchez running the ball.

The game

The game started off on a somber note as a moment of silence was taken for the three deaths and one injury that involved Fayetteville E.E. Smith football players, who had a car crash Wednesday night.

It was clear that Cape Fear was the better team, taking a 28-8 halftime lead, but just needed to find its groove. The Colts put it away early in the third quarter and running clock ensued in the 44-8 victory. Cape Fear dominated the line of scrimmage and had several sacks.

NC State target

One of the unique aspects of the state of North Carolina is that many of the top players are spread out across the state, and might be the lone Division I player on their team, or even in their conference in many cases. Seeing Phillips play was a singular purpose Friday night, in the first game of the fall that felt like fall weather.

Phillips made his mark his sophomore year, and then clocked 10.79 seconds in the 100-meter dash last spring. The college offers soon followed, especially when he consistently ran 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Wake Forest was his first offer June 1, and then he came to NC State’s camp and was offered June 19. He has offers from NC State, Alabama, Ohio State and Wake Forest. He additionally has offers from Eastern Michigan, Liberty, Miami (Ohio), Southern Mississippi, South Florida, plus Gardner-Webb.

Phillips had had seven carries for 78 yards and a touchdown in the 36-0 win over Lumberton High a week ago. The Wolfpacker unofficially had him for 16 carries for 163 yards and two short touchdowns in three quarters of action at tailback against Purnell Swett. He also logged some time at safety and played snaps on defense during the running clock of the fourth quarter.

Phillips tied his career-high with the 16 carries, which he did a year ago. Phillips rushed 86 times for 880 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

The Wolfpack are looking for additional running backs after landing Southeast Raleigh High junior Christian Freeman, who The Wolfpacker watched last week.

Coming up

The Wolfpacker will have a story on Phillips and his scouting video. Past videos can be found here.