Named 2008 All-Dade County First Team and third-team All-State … Earned invitations to play in two county all-star games, including the Miami North vs. South game in which he returned an interception for a touchdown … In 2008, he recorded 85 tackles, including 58 solo, a county-leading eight interceptions, including two he returned for touchdowns, had two forced fumbles and recovered two fumbles … Also returned punts and kickoffs, including two for touchdowns, and played wide receiver, where he scored three touchdowns … Served as team captain and earned the team’s Most Valuable Player award in 2008 … Also competed for the track team, running the 800-meter event … Joins fellow incoming Syracuse freshmen Brandon Sharpe and Shamarko Thomas on USA Football’s Junior National Team.

“Brandon (Sharpe), Phillip (Thomas) and Shamarko (Thomas) all bring speed and toughness,” Syracuse University defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said of all three Team USA players from Syracuse. “They are athletic kids who are playmakers. USA Football’s Junior National Team will be proud to have them represent the program at the IFAF Junior World Championship.

“To have three of our incoming freshmen play for this team gives us an opportunity to have the future of Syracuse football represented and to showcase our future talent.”