LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Four-star 2019 safety Jalyn Phillips holds Clemson in high regard, and he returned to its campus earlier this month.

The Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer High standout made a visit to Death Valley for Clemson’s season-opening 56-3 win over Kent State on Sept. 2.

The Clemson Insider continued our Road Trip series with a stop at Archer on Wednesday and caught up with Phillips about the visit and more.

“Clemson has always been special,” Phillips said. “Every time I go there, it’s definitely a big-time game. Versus Auburn, it was a huge game versus one of the top defenses.”

Asked to describe his interest level in Clemson, Phillips said it’s “very high.”

“It’s like home to me,” he said. “It’s like an hour away, so that’s definitely one of the top schools I like.”

The interest between Phillips and Clemson is mutual. Clemson co-defensive backs coaches Mickey Conn and Mike Reed communicate with him regularly.

“Coach Conn and Coach Reed, they hit me up almost every day, so it’s a good connection with them,” Phillips said.

Phillips (6-1, 190) has over 30 scholarship offers, including ones from Alabama, Kansas State, N.C. State, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, UCLA and Wisconsin.

While Clemson hasn’t yet pulled the trigger on an offer, Phillips could see it come his way after the Tigers get a closer look this season. He showcased his talent to the coaching staff at the Dabo Swinney Camp in June.

“Last year, I didn’t really play a lot of free safety, so they want to see me at free safety this year, how I move around, break on balls and stuff,” he said. “This year is basically the year they want to see from me.”

What does Phillips feel he brings to the table as a safety?

“I’m a very physical, tall DB, so I feel like I can offer speed and physicality as a safety,” he said.

Phillips cited Oklahoma as one of his favorites, and said Alabama, Georgia and Oregon are showing the most interest right now along with Clemson. He is looking to make his decision around this time next year.

As a sophomore last season, Phillips notched 38 tackles, two sacks and an interception.