WATCH: Del’Shawn Phillips records interception, breaks multiple tackles for huge return

This is an incredible play by Illinois LB Del’Shawn Phillips.

The Illini defense has intercepted South Florida QB Blake Barnett twice in the game, and this tip-drill interception by Phillips was a thing of beauty. Phillips displayed great reactions to snag the ball out of the air after it was tipped by an Illini defender covering the route.

Phillips also looked liked a bruising RB during his return. He broke multiple tackles and nearly fought his way into the open field before being brought down in USF territory. With the moves he showed off, maybe he can convince head coach Lovie Smith to use him with the offense on a few plays.

The Big Ten Network shared the video of Phillips’ play:

.@LovieSmith‘s @IlliniFootball team + Soldier Field = Takeaways All Day.

And @DelShawnP3 takes this return to the next level by tossing defenders aside. 😱

The INT is a #BTNStandout presented by @AutoOwnersIns: pic.twitter.com/aCUA27F8J5

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 15, 2018

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.