Bayside (Virginia Beach, VA) skill athletes such as Demetrious Nicholson and Anthony Cooper garnered many of the headlines last season, but the Marlins linemen were a big part of the team’s success as well. Leading the way on the line is rising senior Mike Phillips , who garnered first-team all-Beach district, first-team all-Tidewater, and second-team all-state honors for his play at left offensive tackle.

Phillips was a 2010 second-team all-district selection at defensive tackle, where he tallied 46 tackles including six sacks. Offense, though, is where the 6-2 standout will likely play on the next level.

“I think Mike will pick up some early offers,” said Bayside head coach Darnell Moore, who guided the Marlins to an undefeated regular season and a Group AAA, Division 6 state semifinal appearance in 2010. “Coaches see he is 280 pounds. They’re looking for the prototypical 6-4 or 6-5 lineman, so Mike’s not prototypical, but he can play all three line spots. He runs extremely well. He’ll likely be a center on the next level. The kid works extremely hard. He played center as a sophomore and left tackle as a junior.”

Virginia, Old Dominion, Richmond, Temple and William & Mary have expressed serious interest in Phillips, who has also received letters from Duke, Illinois, Nebraska, N.C. State, Penn State, Stanford and Syracuse. The talented two-way lineman spoke more in-depth on the interest from the Cavaliers.

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