La Habra, California cornerback Clark Phillips III released his five finalists on Wednesday and included the Buckeyes in his list of favorites.
Joining the Buckeyes were California, Oregon, UCLA, and Notre Dame. He tweeted out the news.
Blessing to be where I am today… pic.twitter.com/cgK3Ujb7K6
— Clark Phillips III (@ClarkPhillips28) May 1, 2019
Phillips (5-11 178) is the No. 4 cornerback in the 2020 class per the 247Sports Composite and the No. 46 player overall. In 247’s own rankings, however, he is the No. 3 cornerback and the No. 24 player in the nation.
At The Opening Regional in Los Angeles back in February, Phillips was timed running a 4.54 40-yard dash.
Phillips took an unofficial visit to Ohio State this spring, which solidified the Buckeyes’ position in his top group.
As a junior last season, Phillips recorded two interceptions on defense and caught 54 passes for 1,210 yards with 19 touchdowns on offense.
In the highlights below, Phillips displays dynamic abilities as a receiver. His speed after the catch is easily apparent. As a cornerback, he triggers quickly on the ball and attacks passes with his receiver skills. Despite his importance on offense, he doesn’t shy from physicality on defense.
Here is 247’s scouting report on Phillips.
Has a strong build and plays with a bulldog mentality. Doesn’t have great length but makes up for it with a physical style of play and advanced technique. More quick than fast but has improved his long speed over the last year and is better able to turn and run with the fastest receivers. His improved burst and explosiveness shows up on the offensive side of the ball at receiver where he showed his ability to out run a defense and be dynamic after the catch. Has excellent ball skills and really improved in his ability to make a play on the ball without interfering. An extremely competitive player who loves the challenge of taking on another team’s best receiver. Is physical in the run game and does a nice job getting off blocks and making a tackle. Scrappy type of play looks conducive to playing as a nickel or slot corner in college. but is versatile enough to line up anywhere in the secondary. Projects as an impact, upper-tier Power 5 starter and future high-round NFL draft pick.
The Buckeyes currently have one defensive commitment in the 2020 class in Florida defensive back Lejond Cavazos.
Ohio State will want to sign a sizable number of defensive backs in the 2020 class.
Four-star Arizona safety Lathan Ransom is scheduled to take an official visit to Ohio State in June. He is ranked the No. 4 safety in the nation and the No. 66 player in the nation.
A source has indicated to The-Ozone that Ransom is looking to leave the state for college.
