Get to know rookie cornerback Dru Phillips

4. Phillips’ numbers last season were even better when playing in zone coverage. He earned a solid 74.6 zone coverage grade from PFF last season, while his career-best 23 defensive stops were the most among all SEC cornerbacks in 2023.

“They like, one, is my willingness to tackle,” the rookie corner said about what the Giants liked about him. “I know it’s a thing, especially at those corners and now people want to tackle but I’m one of those guys, I want to get my nose dirty. Just my football IQ and just being savvy in it as well. You can be aggressive but then have some finesse to you, as well, and just go out there and win every rep.”

5. Born in Mauldin, South Carolina, Phillips attended Mauldin High School where he was also a three-year letter winner in track and field as a triple jumper, ranking No. 1 nationally in 2020. He was a two-time All-State and three-time All-Region selection for the triple jump.

Phillips comes from a family of athletes, as his father, Carlos, played linebacker at Kentucky under College Football Hall of Fame coach Jerry Claiborne. His mother, LaTonya, was a standout athlete at Danville High School, and his brother, C.J., played football at Morehead State. Phillips graduated from Kentucky this past December with a degree in integrated strategic communication.

“This is a great opportunity and a great team like this. I’m so happy to be here,” Phillips told the media. “I haven’t stopped smiling since I got the call. It’s great.”