 As a defensive tackle at Arkansas, Phillips was selected first team All-America in both the 1965 and 1966 seasons.He was selected by the Associated Press, United Press International, Central Press, American Football Coaches Association, and the Walter Camp Foundation in 1965.In 1966, he was selected by the Associated Press, United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Central Press Association, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Foundation, Football Writers Association of America, "Sporting News" and Time Magazine in 1966.