Report: Western Michigan’s Darius Phillips could see some time on offense

Darius Phillips is a lightning fast cornerback for the Western Michigan Broncos with a knack for interceptions. He has drawn interest around the country from NFL scouts and, apparently, WMU offensive coordinator Kevin Johns.

That’s according to a report from MLive’s Patrick Nothath filed Thurdsay morning.

Yes, his own coaching staff is considering giving Phillips a shot on offense again. On Twitter, Darius Phillips seems to confirm the rumor.

The Broncos desperately need help at the wide receiver position, with the departure of three wide receivers, including COrey Davis and Carrington Thompson, to gradutation. They return only 19 receptions and 145 yards from last season, so WMU coaches are turning over a lot of stones in an effort to find an advantage for the offense.

Darius Phillips does have some experience as a recevier from his freshman year, when he earned 516 all-purpose yards for three touchdowns. Phillips transitioned to defense when the coaching staff noticed his penchant for initiating hits. Now, it seems, his athleticism could prove quite handy.

None of this is to say he will lose any defensive playing time.

Phillips leads an extraordinary secondary unit that gave up only 19.5 points per game last year, good for sixteenth in the nation. In the two years he played defense, Phillips recorded nine interceptions, returning four back for touchdowns. On special teams, Phillips also returns kickoffs and punts, earning four additional touchdowns.

It is fair to say that if Phillips will be playing on offense this year, it could make a significant impact. Phillips can and will find the ball in traffic and has the breakaway speed and ability to make plays that could add to his scoring totals.