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Jaelan Phillips – May 15, 2021 Download PDF version

Saturday, May 15, 2021

LB Jaelan Phillips

(I wanted to ask you about a clip we saw on social today where you were hitting the bag from your knees. I was just wondering from a media perspective, what does that do for your game, and what are we looking for in that drill?) – “That’s the six-point drill. That’s just kind of like the perennial d-line drill. That’s explosion out of your hips and really focusing on quick hands and hands where you’re looking. And like I said, just getting explosive. That’s just kind of the base of every movement when you’re a d-lineman.”

(Have you had a chance to meet with former Dolphin Jason Taylor yet, and if so, what was that conversation like?) – “I haven’t met Jason Taylor yet, but I’d definitely love to because he’s a legend. I’d definitely love to pick his brain and get some advice from him whenever I can meet him.”

(Are you old enough to remember watching Jason Taylor play?) – “Yeah. I was born in 1999. I’m not that young. (laughter) I definitely remember growing up watching him play. That would be pretty amazing to meet him for sure.”

(When the Dolphins roster came out, I noticed that you were listed as a linebacker. I wasn’t sure if they were going to put linebacker or defensive end. I know it’s not that important and you’re going to do both. How’d did you find out that they chose LB and how do you feel about that?) – “I found out obviously when I got here and started doing meetings and everything like that. But honestly, I’m working a bunch of stuff right now. Obviously the starting phases of practice is really just technique, fundamentals and that really transitions over no matter what you’re playing. Right now, I’m just trying to learn the playbook and fit in where I can get in.”

(Obviously you played a little bit of linebacker at UCLA, I believe. How much does that transition help you in this process?) – “It’s definitely helping a little bit, just having a fundamental knowledge of it. Obviously I haven’t done it in a year. Like in Miami, I was obviously a lot more four-down, hand in the dirt; but honestly it’s nice because I feel like I’m more versatile having experienced both. It’s a whole new system though, so a lot of this stuff translates but a lot of it is new verbiage, new techniques and everything like that. I’m just learning the new playbook and trying to do whatever I can.”

(Given the road that you took to get here, did you take a moment when you stepped on the practice field for the first time to reflect on your path, and what did it feel like for you for it to become real?) – “Honestly there is no time to reflect right now. My head is full of the playbook and what’s going on next. I’m just trying to be where my feet are. This journey has been incredible and I’m so blessed to even be in this position. Now is definitely far from the time to rest. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, so that’s what I’m doing. Just every day trying to get better and being where my feet are.”

(Going back to the linebacker, defensive end question. Whatever position you’re playing, you’re on the football a lot, and I’ve noticed you have a lot of reps where you have a hand in the dirt, in a three-point stance, and sometimes you’re up in a two-point stance. What is the difference for an edge player in those two stances?) – “It’s really like sometimes when you’re standing up, it’s more advantageous being able to see everything and take a snapshot of what’s going on. When you’re in a three-point (stance), obviously you have more leverage because you’re coming low to high. Having played both, I’m definitely comfortable doing whatever I need to do. That’s just kind of the basics of football 101.”

(Has the coaching staff told you a weight they want you at, at linebacker? Do you feel like you’re the right weight for that position?) – “Yeah. For me, they haven’t told me a specific weight they need me at yet. I think we’ll probably get into that as we do more body composition stuff and everything like that; but for me, it’s going to be the weight I feel most comfortable with, obviously being as heavy and as sturdy as I can, but also as fast as I can. I’m definitely comfortable where I’m at right now. I’m just trying to lean out and get stronger.”

(I wanted to ask you about your diet. I read that you were up to like 250 grams of protein at one point when you first came to UM. Where are you now in your diet? Should Davie restaurants stock up on food to take care all that you are eating? Where are you on that?) – “We kind of have a saying here, it’s that ‘athletes don’t diet and exercise, we train and eat. Or train and fuel, really.’ I try to eat well and keep my figure up. Obviously everything I’m putting in my body is so I can perform the best on the field. All the restaurants everywhere should stack up whenever I’m there, because I’ve got to come in and chow down. (laughter) We have a great facility here. They’ve been giving me some fire food. I’ve been having plenty at my disposal, so it’s all good.”

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