Miami safety Kenny Phillips heading to the NFL

[Nick]

Kenny Phillips has opted to leave UM early for the NFL, leaving the Canes with Anthony Reddick and Lovon Ponder as the likely starters entering next season.

Phillips is projected as a first round pick, and some experts have him going in the top 15.

Phillips had 91 tackles and one interception last season. As a sophomore he was a third-team All-American and second-team All-ACC despite missing the final three games with a broken thumb. He had 71 tackles, six for losses, with four interceptions.

He played as a true freshman in 2005, and was named to the Rivals.com All-Freshman team. He started 11 games and had 88 tackles and an interception.

Coming out of Miami Carol City High School he was the nation's top safety prospect. He intercepted 16 passes in high school, and as a senior he had 84 tackles and six interceptions. He played in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl.

According to Rivals.com...