The recruitment of four-star defensive end Kyle Phillips out of Nashville (Tenn.) Hillsboro continues to be one of the most hotly-contested in the southeast. Over the weekend Phillips took in an unofficial visit to Ole Miss for what was a wild weekend in Oxford as the Rebels upset No. 3 ranked Alabama. According to a source, the positive experience continued what has been steady momentum for Ole Miss in Phillips' recruitment.
This morning, I changed my Crystal Ball prediction from LSU to Ole Miss. One source has indicated that the four-star's recruitment has begun to shift towards a two-team race between Ole Miss and Tennessee. Ole Miss' recent on-field success, coupled with a favorable depth chart at defensive line has the Rebels heading in the right direction. But Tennessee will have an opportunity to match the Rebels. Phillips tells 247Sports that he has tentative plans to visit Knoxville this weekend for Tennessee's game against Chattanooga.
While Tennessee and Ole Miss may be trending in the right direction, his other finalists of LSU and Alabama haven't been ruled out and continue to be in the mix. There is one other program that may sneak in as well. Though it hasn't been finalized yet, Phillips has talked with Penn State about setting up a potential official visit in November. The Nittany Lion staff, led by defensive line coach Sean Spencer, recruited Phillips heavily during their time at Vanderbilt and has increased its efforts of late from State College.