UCLA receiver Kyle Philips was preparing for his midterms when he was presented with an early test for his aspiring NFL career: meeting Bill Belichick.
The NFL Draft prospect told reporters Wednesday about his surprise run-in with Belichick at the UCLA team facility. Philips was working on a midterm paper for one his classes and excused himself to go to the bathroom.
That’s when he saw his coach, Chip Kelly, who was walking with a special guest.
“One time I was at the facilities, it was like midterm time and I went to the bathroom and coach Belichick and coach [Chip] Kelly were walking by and coach Kelly introduced me and I got to talk to [him a] little bit,” Philips said, via Patriots.com. “I was just so surprised, it’s midterms and I was focused on my papers and wasn’t expecting to see him.”
From a profile standpoint, Philips appears to pass the Patriots’ test. Primarily working out of the slot, he’s known as excellent route-runner and strong blocker. It’s easy to see the 5-foot-11, 186-pound receiver fitting into New England’s spread offense.
He caught 59 catches for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Philips told reporters he met with the Patriots at the Shrine Bow, where he was a standout performer.
As an added bonus, he’s been favorably compared to Wes Welker.
The Patriots have met with several receivers at this week’s Combine.
