FRISCO, Texas – Maryland DT Jordan Phillips is a freak of nature. It’s hard to find another word to describe the hulking 6’3, 320-pound nose tackle who made Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List ahead of the season after squatting 665 pounds and power-cleaning 365 pounds. His strength and athleticism led his head coach at Maryland, Mike Locksley, to compare him to Da’Ron Payne. During an interview with Steelers Depot at the Hyatt Regency ahead of the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, Phillips lit up when discussing Payne, the star Washington Commanders defensive tackle.
“I love Da’Ron Payne. Everything from his physicality to the way he rushes the quarterback,” Phillips said.