The Final Cockdown: #52, Phillip Dukes

Phillip Dukes

RS Senior Defensive Tackle

6'3" 324 lbs.

Recruitment:

Dukes was recruited as the 13th ranked defensive tackle and fifth-best player in South Carolina in the 2011 class.

College Career:

Dukes was red-shirted his freshman year at South Carolina in 2011. In his red-shirt Freshman year in 2012, Dukes recorded three tackles in five games, starting none.

Dukes saw increased playing time as a third-year Sophomore in 2013, appearing in all 13 games, starting one and recording 14 tackles, a forced fumble, and a half tackle for loss.

Last season, Dukes once again appeared in all 13 games making one start in the Independence Bowl. He recorded 20 tackles including three tackles for a loss. Dukes also had a forced fumble against Furman.

2015 Outlook:

Dukes is listed as a first-team tackle on the 2015 depth-chart and should hold on to his starting position heading into the season. Dukes' playing time increased yearly, and will look to do so again in 2015. While he sometimes struggles in run defense, Dukes is a reliable play-maker in space, and will surely provide some highlights for the 2015 defense.

Trivia:

Dukes made his first start in 2013. Against what team did he make the start?