4-star CB Kade Phillips opens up on his flip from Texas to LSU

LSU was among the top contenders earlier this summer for Missouri City (Tex.) Hightower four-star cornerback Kade Phillips. He committed to Texas though, choosing the Longhorns on July 6.

Since that moment though, the Tigers and defensive backs coach Corey Raymond never let up. He and defensive coordinator Blake Baker both maintained consistent contact with Phillips and his family. As time went on, Phillips had second thoughts about his initial commitment.

And on Sunday, he made the flip official, exiting Texas’ class and joining up with Brian Kelly and the Tigers.

“LSU has been on me ever since they first offered me,” he told On3. “It was a little while once I committed to Texas with them still texting and calling me almost every day. The [LSU] coaching staff was locked in with me even after I committed.”

Phillips visited the Tigers in the spring and then again in June for an official visit. They were right there alongside the Longhorns and Texas A&M. He loved his time in Baton Rouge and likes the energy around the program and the community.

“I feel like the environment there is amazing,” he added. “Every time I went down there, the vibe was great.”

Pursuit of Phillips by Raymond, LSU staff paid off

Raymond has developed a reputation as one the country’s elite recruits and developers of defensive backs. The chance to play for him is a big reason Phillips made the move.

“I feel like I can really be developed into something big,” he added. “And being able to be coached by Coach Raymond is important. He really played a big part in my recruitment, never really losing hope or sight of me and calling me every day.”

Phillips now says his recruitment is shut down and he ‘feels great’ about his pledge.

The 6-foot-0.5, 185-pounder is the No. 164 overall prospect and No. 18 cornerback in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3, however, is much higher on him than other services. In the most recent On300 rankings, he was tabbed as the nation’s No. 65 overall recruiting and No. 7 cornerback in the country.