It was a rough week on the recruiting trail for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, but Saturday’s commitment of four-star cornerback Kade Phillips helped ease some of those frustrations.
Phillips, a 6-foot, 170-pounder from Fort Bend Hightower outside of Houston, picked Texas over LSU, he announced on his social media accounts.
Kade Phillips’ 247 ranking
He ranks as the 24th best cornerback prospect in the nation and the 31st best overall recruit in the state, according to 247Sports’ composite ratings. Scouts also think Phillips could serve as an ideal cover safety who can match up with receivers on the edge and in the slot.
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In recent weeks, Texas has missed out on several five-star prospects in receiver Dakorien Moore (Oregon), linebacker Riley Pettijohn (Ohio State) and cornerback Dorian Brew (Oregon). The Longhorns also lost four-star defensive tackle Brandon Brown, who decommitted from Texas earlier this week and pledged to LSU.
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Kade Phillips’ stats at Fort Bend Hightower High School
Phillips is a two-sport standout at Fort Bend Hightower, playing both wide receiver and defensive back in football and this spring won a bronze medal at the Class 6A UIL state track and field meet with a leap of 23-11.5 at Myers Stadium.
The Longhorns and Sarkisian are in the midst of their summer recruiting push. They fell a spot to No. 18 in the latest composite class rankings after nabbing a pledge from four-star defensive lineman Smith Orogbo but losing Brown. Texas, which now has 13 commitments for 2025, could move up that list after receiving the pledge from Phillips.
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Phillips joins Caleb Chester as the two cornerbacks in the class.