Kyle Phillips to Tennessee: Volunteers Land 4-Star DE Prospect

Kyle Phillips was among the most highly coveted defensive-end recruits in the class of 2015. On Saturday during the Army All-American Game, the 4-star prospect from Hillsboro High School in Nashville, Tennessee, committed to play college football at Tennessee.

Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee reveals where Phillips announced he will attend:

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Phillips is the 110th-ranked prospect in the nation and the No. 8 strong-side defensive end. Hillsboro coach Craig Clayton highlighted what makes Phillips so special.

"He just has unbelievable speed for his size," said Clayton, per a report by The Tennessean's Chip Cirillo. "Really, he's just raw right now. Right now, he's probably a better offensive lineman, but in college he's going to be a good defensive lineman."

Barton Simmons of 247Sports noted how eager the top programs in the country were in calling Phillips as early as May 2013:

At 6'3.5" and 250 pounds, the type of athleticism that Phillips has is remarkable. Such size-and-speed combination is rare at the high school level, and has Phillips perhaps geared up to be an instant contributor for the Volunteers.

Phillips' enviable blend of physical gifts can't be taught, but he has plenty of room to improve when it comes to technique. In order to play right away, he'll have to work on that.

Since he's been able to manhandle most opposing offensive linemen and use his quick feet to chase down plays even when he's out of position, fundamentals aren't necessarily Phillips' strong suit. That makes even more sense in the context of his coach's suggestion that Phillips is a better offensive lineman at this time.

ESPN Insider's scouting report (subscription required) provides further insight:

"

Phillips possesses some very good physical tools and shows flashes but needs to continue to develop his game as it seems he can still squeeze more from his ability. Scheme and further physical development will play a role in how he is utilized. Also plays on the OL and that could be a potential fit for him as well. At this stage we feel a red-shirt will be needed/beneficial but displays some good upside.

"

However, that Phillips has so much versatility thanks to his natural talent makes it all the more exciting to see what Butch Jones' staff can do to maximize his potential.

The fact that he's already so big suggests that he can move inside to defensive tackle with some added weight, or that Phillips could become slightly leaner and become a dynamic force off the edge.

Phillips may be better suited to stay on the sidelines in his first year of college. But if he can harness the raw skill he has well enough of, there's a chance the Vols will be too tempted by his potential to keep him off the gridiron. It is important to figure out what best suits Phillips so he doesn't spend multiple years bouncing between positions and not living up to the hype.

That is a fine dilemma for Tennessee to have, though. As long as Phillips can find his niche, he projects to be an exceptional player at the collegiate level.