Phillip’s NFL dream comes true – The Advocate-Messenger

Andru Phillips has wanted to play in the National Football League for as long as he can remember, but he heard the doubters when he declared for the NFL draft after his junior season, even though he had 47 tackles, five pass breakups and 1, 5 tackles for loss in 2023.

However, his belief in himself was rewarded when the New York Giants took him in the third round of the NFL draft with the 70th overall pick.

“I took a big gamble (going into the draft) when I left school and went into the draft,” Phillips said. “I had some decent numbers for the draft. I just had to trust who I am and take the right step. I trusted that I would be able to perform and show who I am during the draft process.”

He took advantage of invitations to the Senior Bowl and NFL combine to impress NFL scouts and then did the same at the UK Pro Day in March.

“I put my head down and worked to get where I am today. This shows how hard I have worked,” Phillips said. “This wasn’t in the plans when I declared it, but we all knew I could get there if I worked as hard as I could.”

Phillips is a top athlete. He was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the triple jump in high school and won the 2019 South Carolina state championship with a jump of 49 feet, 4 inches. He also ran the 100 meters in 11 seconds, the 200 in 23.07 and the 400 in 54.88. He recently ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds, had a vertical jump of 42 inches and a standing jump of 39 feet.

He’s not worried about whether the Giants play him inside or outside. Last year, he moved to the outside for Kentucky and “worked to be the best” without questioning defensive coordinator Brad White.

“It was a bit bumpy at the beginning of the season. When I found my feet, I became a dog from the outside,” Phillips said. “When I go to the competition, I realize that I am not yet a finished book. Good coaches can also make me a better player outside. I am confident that the organization can make me a great player.”