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Utah CB Clark Phillips III Named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week

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Football

University of Utah Football starting cornerback Clark Phillips III has been named Walter Camp National FBS Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in Utah's 42-16 win over Oregon State.

Phillips is one of six Utes to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004, and the first since 2016 (Hunter Dimick).

The Lakewood, Calif., native continues to prove he is one of the best cornerbacks in the country, coming away with three of Utah's four interceptions against the Beavers, which included a pick-six (38 yards), along with three tackles in the game. His three picks are the most in a game by an FBS player this season, also tying for second all-time at Utah in single-game interceptions.

His first interception of the game came on Oregon State's first drive, picking off the Beaver's quarterback on a first-and-10 from their own 44-yard line, returning it to the 19 to set Utah up for its first touchdown. With the game tied at 7-7 with 7:37 to go in the first quarter, Phillips would come up big once more, reading the play perfectly on a second-and-10, intercepting the ball and returning it 38 yards to the end zone to give Utah the 14-7 lead.

Phillips's final interception of the game came in the fourth quarter on a second-and-five at the Utah five-yard line. The sophomore out-jumped the Beaver wide receiver in the corner of the end zone, coming down with the ball for his third interception, giving Utah possession back with 7:16 to go in the game.

His three interceptions was the most in a game by a Ute since 2009 (Robert Johnson vs. Colorado State), bringing his season total to four, which is tied for first nationally. He has seven career interceptions with three pick-sixes, including two that have some this season.

His three career interceptions returned for touchdowns is the second-most by an active player in the FBS this season, also leading all active players in the Pac-12.

NEXT UP
The Utes will hit the road to Pasadena, Calif., to take on the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Oct. 8, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. MT. The game will air on FOX.