Phillips will put Irmo pads in a game for the first time this August, but he’s anything but green. During the last two years at Cape Fear (N.C.), the tailback rushed for 1,799 yards and 23 touchdowns in just 19 games. Did we mention he didn’t play a game in his junior year until October after suffering a broken leg in the offseason? 

Phillips is a true burner, as the baker’s dozen worth offers he got before transferring to the Midlands started off in force after he put up some blazing 100-meter times as a sophomore track sprinter. He’s also got some pretty staggering cutting ability, especially in the split seconds after taking a handoff.

But he didn’t attract some of college football’s blue bloods on speed alone. In his first day at Irmo, he weighed in at 197 pounds and had a 5-foot-10 frame to match. He’s proved he doesn’t mind sharing the football, but you better believe he’s an instant priority for the Yellow Jackets.

Phillips can absolutely fly, as one of the fastest running backs we’ve scouted over the past decade from North Carolina. He’s twitchy in the open field and continues to improve his vision and pass protection. He’s a home run waiting to happen, and some lucky Power Four team is going to be quite happy with his ability.

Phillips reminded everyone why he’s one of the top prospects in the state, regardless of position, with a career-best performance — over 300 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in last week’s win. Since his return to the lineup, the Colts haven’t played a close game, and his impact has been undeniable. Phillips combines elite speed, vision, and power, making him nearly impossible to contain once he finds a crease. As Cape Fear prepares for a matchup that will decide the outright conference championship, Phillips stands as the clear X-factor — the player capable of taking over the game and sealing another statement victory for the Colts.

There was no question who owned the spotlight on Friday night. Junior running back Tai Phillips Tai Phillips 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Irmo | 2027 State SC turned in one of the most dominant performances of the entire season — not just in the region, but statewide. Phillips exploded for over 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns, attacking the Terry Sanford defense from start to finish. His ability to change direction, accelerate through contact, and maintain balance after the first hit was special to watch. He displayed tremendous vision in the zone game, showing patience behind his offensive line before bursting through creases with elite top-end speed. Beyond the stat sheet, Phillips set the tone physically and emotionally for his team. His performance was the definition of a BigFish outing — a complete takeover that cemented his status as one of the premier junior running backs in North Carolina.

🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2

Tai Philips | ATH/WR | Cape Fear High School | Class of 2027

Still just a sophomore, Tai Philips has quickly become one of the most coveted prospects in the country—not just North Carolina. With offers from Ohio State, Alabama, and a growing list of national powerhouses, Philips is firmly in the recruiting spotlight.

He’s got the 4.3 speed to take the top off any defense, and his route running, footwork, and field awareness are already elite. Whether he’s lining up out wide, in the slot, or in the return game, Philips is a threat to score anytime he touches the football.

Cape Fear will lean on his big-play ability this Friday in a game that could shape their playoff path early. With his national profile rising fast, expect every eye in the stadium—and beyond—to be locked in on No. 1.

Every year, there are 5-10 players in the eastern part of the state whose recruitments take a bit longer to get started, but take off once the first offers trickle in. Phillips fits into that category, as he finished the month of June with five offers–including multiple from the Power Four–after earning his first from USF early in the month. He’s a tough runner with excellent contact balance and home run speed.

Phillips is one of the fastest backs in the state and that speed is gaining him some serious summer notoriety. Since we updated rankings in late May, Phillips has picked up five FBS offers, including one from NC State after an awesome camp with the Wolfpack. I don’t want to downplay his other traits, but the speed is real and it’s what has people excited about his prospects in college. Low-4.4 speed, good burst and vision make for a good combination and he’s set for a MAJOR rankings boost in the next update.