DT Jordan Phillips considered K-State, but chose OU
Published: 9/19/2012 9:01 AM
Last Modified: 9/19/2012 9:01 AM
A four-star defensive tackle for Towanda (Kan.) Circle High, Jordan Phillips had a decision to make: cross the border and play college football at Oklahoma, or take the shorter, 100-mile route to Kansas State.
"They had a really good family atmosphere there," Phillips said of K-State, "and made me feel real welcome."
So why is it that he's suiting up for the Sooners Saturday night instead of the Wildcats?
"I just wanted to win," he said, "so I came to Oklahoma."
Phillips redshirted last year, but has been on the field in OU's first two victories of this season. He could see some snaps Saturday, depending on the fitness of returning starting tackle Casey Walker. His folks will be cheering him on should that happen.
His aunt and uncle? Well…
"My aunt and uncle's family are diehard K-State fans," Phillips said.
They'll be coming to the game as well, Phillips said, but decked out in purple and sitting in the K-State section in the south end zone.
Down on the field, Phillips will block all of that out and do battle with the likes of center B.J. Finney, the Andale (Kan.) native who has gone from walk-on to Rimington Trophy candidate. Phillips knows Finney from their high school days, knows K-State Wichitans Arthur Brown and Chris Harper.
Asked if he expects any harsh words among that crowd, Phillips said: "I'm sure there will be. But I'm sure it will still be fun."
Might be more fun for Phillips if he proves he made the right decision two years ago.
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
