One of the top young linebackers in Atlanta, Hines is an active linebacker with a natural feel for the position. He plays hard and consistently finds his way into the backfield. He runs hard to the ball, can chase down the ball-carrier, and has a chance to grow significantly at a place like Woodward Academy. Hines brings a promising 5-foot-10 175-pound frame and has the potential to be one of the region’s best over the years. He’s currently ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 5 LB prospect in Georgia for the 2030 class.

An Atlanta top performer, Phillip Hines appeared to be an elite pass defender at this event. I watched as Hines followed through when over the top to defend and dislodge the ball. Hines also had no problem keeping up with anyone’s foot speed, saying stride-for-stride, while also showcasing solid ball skills when the ball was tipped. What put Hines over the top for me, however, was how physical he was defending receivers within 5 yards of scrimmage.

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA was the clear linebacker MVP, putting together one of the most complete defensive performances of the event, regardless of position group. In coverage, he rarely gave running backs or receivers any breathing room, flipping his hips with ease, using his length to disrupt passes, and staying in phase from start to finish. He was just as effective against the run, showing the ability to square up in the hole and explode downhill to stop ball carriers before they could build momentum. Phillip’s athleticism and physicality makes him one of the more complete linebackers I’ve evaluated this year, and he is sure to continue building on that success as the season draws near.

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA flew all over the field on Saturday. I don’t think I saw a single RB or WR get the best of him, which is why he was crowned MVP for the linebackers. The first note I wrote on Phillip Saturday morning was “keep an eye on him,” and I am glad I did. He was absolutely dominant in coverage, showing fluid hip movement as he turned and ran with the RBs, and used his length to break up the pass before it could make it to the receiver’s hands. Phillip also showed he can square up in the hole and scream upfield quickly to shut down any forward progression of a ball carrier. Phillip is truly the full package and made the trip from Georgia a worthwhile trip.

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA is one of the class of 2030’s best linebackers and he’s one of those top tier talents in the Peach State. Hines brings the energy within his gameplay, he brings the effort and he is super talented on top of it all. Hines is a pure and fearless playmaker, and I expect him to be no different and standout for the “RIZE” being a great representation of Georgia.

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA is one of the best linebackers I have seen in the 2030 class. Hines brings a high level of physicality, pursuit, speed and smarts to the game at the linebacker position and those are great qualities that you would want a linebacker to have. He is a hard worker, a great tackler, and someone who is going to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball. He is going to be playing the game of football for years and years to come!

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA is someone of course I have really talked about a lot and written about on many occasions. Hines came out to the “Who’s Next” Exposure Camp in Atlanta and really put on display why he is one of the best linebackers in all of the 2030 class regardless of state. Hines showcased a large amount of IQ and all-around style of play during Saturday’s camp activities. Hines earned himself a top performer and if you were there, you know why!

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA is a special talent at the linebacker, and he is a guy on the defensive side of the ball that can change a game. He is an all-around type of player who can make major change in any game. He can hit, tackle, read, pursuit to the ball and so much more. He is the real deal and will be a major name in years to come!

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA is a complete player and on defense, he is a major force at the linebacker position and is someone who can lay the hits, tackling machine and can play coverage in the passing game. He is a guy who can do a lot. He’s a very valuable player to follow out of the middle school ranks going into the high school ranks. He’s going to be a special player!

Phillip Hines Phillip Hines 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Woodward Academy | 2030 State GA is another top tier linebacker who lays the wood on offensive players in the hitting and tackling game. He is a physical player and a guy who plays the game fast. He is a special talent that is going to be heard about a lot for seasons and years to come!