Phillips gives Orgeron good news

Aubrey Phillips recognized one of Tennessee’s new faces at his home on Monday.

That’s when the 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive lineman from Olive Branch (Miss.) High School received a visit from UT defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron.

Phillips said he first met Orgeron at an Ole Miss summer camp when Orgeron was still the Rebels’ head coach.

Phillips said he was happy to see Orgeron again.

“It was cool because I haven’t seen him in a while,” Phillips said. “It was real exciting. He was telling me how they still want me.”

And Phillips still wants to play for the Vols.

Phillips said he reaffirmed his commitment to Kiffin and Orgeron during their visit.

“I told them I’m ready for Signing Day so I can sign with them,” Phillips said.

Before National Signing Day on Feb. 4, Phillips plans to take official visits to Arkansas this weekend, UT on Jan. 16, Mississippi State on Jan. 23 and Florida State on Jan. 30.

Phillips said he’s taking the visits because he doesn’t want to waste free trips allowed by the NCAA. Prospects are permitted to take five official visits by the NCAA.

He said he already told new UT coach Lane Kiffin about the visits.

“He wanted me to take my visits,” Phillips said. “I felt good that he wanted me to take my visits.”

Phillips felt better when he received a visit from Lane Kiffin during Kiffin’s first week on the job last month.

Phillips said he could tell he was a high priority on Kiffin’s recruiting list.

“He said I’m one of the main people he’s going after and I felt honored by that,” Phillips said. “I felt honored that he wants me to be a part of the championship team he’s building.”

Phillips said he could tell during his visit with Orgeron and Monte Kiffin that UT has the pieces in place to build a championship caliber program.

“They were ready for practice to start,” Phillips said. “They’re ready to go to work and win.”

Where In The World? Lane Kiffin met with offensive line commitment JerQuari Schofield from South Aiken (S.C.) High.

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and Orgeron were in Memphis on Monday to visit linebacker Greg King from Melrose High as part of a whirlwind tour that will cover many prospects, especially defensive ones, in the region.

UT coaches have not visited with receiver Marlon Brown from Harding Academy but likely will be in attendance to see Brown play basketball on Friday night.