HONORS
2008–Named the Rock Weir Award winner for the offense as the most improved player during spring drills.

AT VIRGINIA
2007–Part of the team’s trio of outstanding tight ends ... made eight starts while playing in all 13 games ... fifth on the team in receiving with 17 receptions for 193 yards and two touchdowns, figures that were more than his career totals coming into the season ... tied for ninth in the ACC in receptions and 10th in yards among tight ends ... ended the regular-season with a nine-game streak with at least one catch ... caught three passes for 25 yards against Middle Tennessee ... hauled in a 20-yard scoring pass in the first quarter ... scored for the second game in a row with an eight-yard scoring grab vs. Connecticut ... led the team in receiving with four receptions for a career-high 77 yards against Miami; all four catches went for a first down. 2006–Appeared in every game, started four (Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia Tech) ... two catches for 65 yards on the year ... first reception was for 21 yards against Duke ... caught a 44-yard pass on UVa’s opening drive vs. Miami to set up Cavaliers’ first touchdown in 17-7 win ... that catch vs. Miami was the longest reception by a tight end during the season ... earned second letter. 2005–Appeared in every game with starts against North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech ... also played on the kickoff return team and the kick scoring unit ... played only special teams in the first two games ... saw his first action from scrimmage in the Duke game ... the first catch of his career was good for a 12-yard touchdown as he bulled his way into the end zone ... the touchdown came on just his second play from scrimmage ... caught a 15-yard pass later in the game ... started for the first time against North Carolina ... lettered.

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL
Talented two-way player at tight end and defensive end for coach Will Fields at Bath County HS ... first-team all-state tight end as a senior when he caught 40 passes for 714 yards and five touchdowns ... Roanoke Times All-Timesland tight end and region defensive Player of the Year ... first-team all-state at tight end and second-team as a defensive end as a junior ... caught 25 passes for 495 yards and six touchdowns in just 10 games ... also a standout in basketball and baseball ... three-time all-district honoree in both sports ... all-state in baseball as a senior ... full name is John Matthew Phillips ... born 6-11-87 in Lowmoor, Va. ... son of Susan and Gene Phillips ... has an older brother Jake, who is the starting quarterback and team captain at William & Mary ... cousin Scott Perkins also played football for the Tribe (1985-88) ... sociology major.

Career Highs
Receptions: 4 vs. Miami, 2007
Receiving Yards: 77 vs. Miami, 2007

Phillips Receiving