Cam Phillips Has Flown Under the Radar

Sep 13, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) celebrates with running back Travon McMillian (18) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. East Carolina defeated Virginia Tech 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Before fall practice, wide receiver was not a position where freshmen were expected to make a big impact at this season. However, that changed quickly as Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips both impressed this fall and looked like players that deserved a lot of playing time. Ford was the best receiver in fal practice and went straight to the top of the depth chart.

However, Phillips had more work and took advantage of an unfortunate opportunity to make his climb up the depth chart.

Phillips had 2 catches for 34 yards against William & Mary before being the only starting receiver against Ohio State despite not being at the top of the depth chart. However, Phillips diidn’t have a single catch in the upset victory over Ohio State.

Phillips kept working and had a breakout game against East Carolina. Phillips played a big role in the second half and despite the Hokies’ disappoiting loss, Phillips played well with 7 catches for 89 receiving yards and his first career touchdown.

Phillips was big in giving the Hokies a chance to make a last-second save with Phillips having the smarts and discipline to get out of bounds around the 35 after breaking a tackle instead of trying to break more tackles.

Cam Phillips finally climbed to the top of the depth chart last week though the way of that happening was unfortunate due to Joshua Stanford taking a leave from the team to deal with some personal issues.

The impressive thing about Phillips becoming the starter was the fact that he was ahead of Willie Byrn on the depth chart along with many other more experienced receivers. Last Saturday, Phillips looked like someone that will not give up his starting spot any time soon.

The freshman from Laurel, Maryland played quite well in his second career start as he had 6 catches for 79 receiving yards. Phillips was able to find space multiple times while also making some great catches during the game.

Phillips also helped prevent a Georgia Tech interception by stepping up and catching a pass for a four-yard loss instead of avoiding the hit and potentially having the ball intercepted. The freshman has proven to be a playmaker on a wide receiver corps that is the best since Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale.

Cam Phillips has flown under the radar behind even better freshman wideout Isaiah Ford but Phillips deserves some more attention and he will earn that with time.