Clark Phillips III Bio
Clark Dwaine Phillips III (born December 19, 2001) is an American professional football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) and listed at 185 lb (84 kg), he plays in the defensive secondary and has been on the Falcons’ active roster since being drafted in 2023. He played college football for the Utah Utes, where his play earned him unanimous All-American honors and recognition as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Clark Dwaine Phillips III was born on December 19, 2001, in Lakewood, California. He grew up in Southern California and attended La Habra High School in nearby La Habra, California, where he developed into one of the most highly regarded defensive backs in the region.
As a senior in 2019, Phillips was named the Orange County Register Defensive Player of the Year, an award that reflected his ball skills, tackling, and coverage instincts at the high school level. His performance drew attention from major college programs across the country.
Originally, Phillips committed to Ohio State University to play college football, but he later changed his commitment to the University of Utah. When he signed with the Utes, he was regarded as the highest-rated recruit ever to sign with the program, signaling the significance of his arrival in Salt Lake City.
Path to American Football
Phillips’ path to the professional ranks began with a rapid ascent at the University of Utah. He became an immediate starter as a true freshman in 2020, starting all five games of that shortened season. In that debut year, he recorded 25 tackles, one interception, and one touchdown, providing an early glimpse of his playmaking ability.
In 2021, Phillips started all 14 games for the Utes and totaled 63 tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown, earning Second-team All-Pac-12 recognition. His development continued into 2022, when he was named a First-team All-Pac-12 selection, the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and a unanimous All-American, cementing his status as one of the top defensive backs in college football.
Clark Phillips III Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Clark Dwaine Phillips III’s early career unfolded entirely at the University of Utah, where he spent three seasons with the Utes from 2020 through 2022. Across that stretch, he evolved from a true-freshman starter into one of the premier cornerbacks in the Pac-12 Conference.
His first two seasons produced 25 tackles in 2020 and 63 tackles in 2021, with three career interceptions and two touchdowns during his first two years. By the end of his junior season in 2022, he had collected the major individual awards at the conference and national levels, positioning himself for the NFL Draft.
Utah Utes Breakthrough (2022)
Phillips’ 2022 campaign represented the peak of his college career. He was named First-team All-Pac-12, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and a unanimous All-American, becoming the face of the Utes’ secondary.
The unanimous All-American distinction is reserved for players who receive first-team recognition from every major selection panel, underscoring the breadth of Phillips’ impact during his final college season. His awards in 2022 followed a Second-team All-Pac-12 nod in 2021, illustrating a clear upward trajectory in his development.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–Present)
Clark Dwaine Phillips III was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round, 113th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. He joined a defensive unit that was being reshaped heading into that season and immediately began his professional career as a cornerback.
Through his NFL career, Phillips has appeared in games for the Atlanta Falcons and accumulated 63 total tackles, 1 interception, 10 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery, according to career statistics tracked through 2025. On October 18, 2025, Phillips was placed on injured reserve due to a triceps injury, interrupting his availability for the remainder of that season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Phillips is recognized for his instincts in coverage, his willingness to support the run, and his ball production in the secondary. Listed at 5 ft 9 in and 185 lb, he has built his game on quickness, technique, and route recognition rather than sheer size, allowing him to compete in both man and zone schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Phillips’ career include being named the highest-rated recruit ever to sign with Utah, earning unanimous All-American status in 2022, and hearing his name called in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. His 2022 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award remains a defining individual honor.
Clark Phillips III Career Wins
This section focuses on Clark Dwaine Phillips III’s verified individual honors and statistical achievements rather than team win totals. His most prominent recognitions are the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award, unanimous All-American selection, First-team All-Pac-12, and Second-team All-Pac-12 honors earned during his Utah career.
College and Professional Highlights
Across his college career at Utah, Phillips totaled 88 tackles, three interceptions, and two touchdowns, while also contributing as a punt returner at times. His professional resume with the Atlanta Falcons includes 63 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception through the 2025 season.
Other Performances
At the high school level, Phillips earned the Orange County Register Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019, a regional honor that foreshadowed his college accolades. His presence in the Utah secondary also helped the Utes remain competitive in Pac-12 play during his three seasons in the program.
Clark Phillips III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed information about Clark Dwaine Phillips III’s parents and broader family is not publicly verified in available sources. His full name, Clark Dwaine Phillips III, follows a generational naming tradition, suggesting that the Phillips family has maintained that practice across multiple generations.
Personal Life
Clark Dwaine Phillips III resides in the United States and is focused on his professional football career with the Atlanta Falcons. Publicly available information does not confirm details about a spouse, partner, or children, and those areas of his personal life are not included in this profile.
2025 Season Performance
Clark Dwaine Phillips III entered the 2025 season continuing his role as a cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, building on the experience gained during his first two NFL seasons. Through the games in which he appeared, he contributed defensively with tackles and pass breakups as part of the Falcons’ secondary rotation.
On October 18, 2025, Phillips was placed on injured reserve due to a triceps injury, bringing his 2025 campaign to a halt and sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season. The injury represented a significant setback in what had been a developing role within Atlanta’s defense.
Looking ahead, Phillips’ focus will be on recovery from the triceps injury and returning to full strength for the next season. His career trajectory, which includes unanimous All-American honors in college and ongoing production in the NFL, suggests he remains a notable part of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive plans once he is healthy.
