NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The NFL Draft isn’t just new to Nashville, it’s also new to all the players hoping to hear their name called. So they’re leaning on former players for advice.
Former Vol Kyle Phillips has a secret weapon helping him with the process.
His mom.
Phillips is the son of Tennessee State University Athletics Director Theresa Phillips. Since she stepped into that role in 2002, six TSU players have been drafted under her leadership. Phillips says his mom’s experience with mentoring draftees in addition to her background as a coach has been a huge asset.
“NFL teams do their research about family things like that. I always tell them that she’s probably one of the toughest coaches I have ever gotten so having her has been wonderful,” said Kyle Phillips. “Having her as a mother and a coach, a former coach, has definitely helped me a lot just transitioning through my career in sports from high school to college and now from college to the pro level so it’s definitely wonderful having her.”
Phillips is hoping his home city can be the setting for making his dream come true next week.
“Getting drafted has always been something that I’ve always wanted,” he said. “You’ve worked for this your whole life since you were a little kid to play at the highest level of competition, and the possibility that I can get my name called in my hometown just makes it even more special.”
But he says, just being in the position to get drafted is already special.
“I’m definitely very excited and humbled about the opportunity. A lot of people don’t make it as far as I’ve made it. So far so I’m very excited and blessed that I’ve made it as far as I have and I’m just going keep working stay in shape and get ready for training camp in whatever happens.”
Whether or not Phillips will get drafted is still unknown, but he is the best prospect coming out of the University of Tennessee this year.
