KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan defensive back Darius Phillips has been named to the 2017 Paul Hornung Award Watch List for the second straight season. The award is given annually to the most versatile player in the country.
 
Last year Phillips was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year after returning a kickoff and punt for a touchdown. For his career he now has three kickoffs and one punt returned for a TD. As a defensive back he intercepted four passes last season with three of them going for touchdowns. He currently owns the MAC single season (3) and career (4) records for interceptions returned for scores.
 
Phillips finished the season with three of the top-25 longest interception returns in the country. His TD returns totaled, 70, 75 and 85 yards.
 
Phillips is the only MAC player to be on the watch list and one of 46 total in the country.