A top target at a premium position made a big step Wednesday when Clark Phillips included Ohio State in his final five.
The four-star cornerback continues to consider the Buckeyes, who are recruiting him with California, Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA.
Blessing to be where I am today… pic.twitter.com/cgK3Ujb7K6
— Clark Phillips III (@ClarkPhillips28) May 1, 2019
As the 247Sports composite’s No. 46 overall prospect, No. 4 cornerback and No. 9 player in California for the 2020 recruiting class, Phillips has climbed OSU’s board since its offer Jan. 24.
The 5-10 1/2, 178-pounder announced his top 12 in February before he visited Columbus for Ohio State’s eighth practice of spring camp March 29 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Head coach Ryan Day and co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeff Hafley secured the Buckeyes’ first cornerback for the 2020 class April 12 when Lejond Cavazos (6-1, 190) recommitted, and Phillips is among the short list of preferences to join the four-star defensive back from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.
As a junior in 2018 at La Habra, Phillips recorded 18 tackles and two interceptions for the Highlanders.
He played both ways for his high school team, starring at wide receiver and catching 54 receptions for 1,120 yards (22.4 average) and 19 touchdowns.
Phillips was among the top camp performers Feb. 10 at The Opening Regional in Los Angeles and clocked a verified time of 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
