Anwar Phillips attended Northwest High School where he played football and ran track. He played receiver, defensive back, and returned kicks for the football team at Northwest. As a senior he caught 40 passes for 910 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense. He intercepted 11 passes on defense and returned 2 kicks for touchdowns. He was named team MVP and received all-county, all-conference, and all-state honors as a senior. He accepted a scholarship to play receiver at Penn State where he sat out the 2001 season as a redshirt. The following year he moved from receiver to cornerback where he earned the team’s nickel back job. He finished the season with 20 tackles, 2 interceptions, and three pass break-ups. As a sophomore Phillips played in nine games, starting two. He finished with 13 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 4 pass break-ups. As a junior, Phillips became a full-time starter for the first time. He responded with career highs in tackles (41), interceptions (4), and pass break-ups (10). His senior season was another solid year for Phillips who totaled 30 tackles, 1 interception, and 10 pass break-ups.

Anwar Phillips has good height, long arms, and tremendous leaping ability for a cornerback. He has good speed and fluid hips. He does a good job of reading the quarterback and he and plays the ball well while it’s in the air. He has good range and change of direction ability. The former receiver has great hands and very good ball skills. He will step up and support the run but he isn’t the greatest open field tackler. He lacks great closing speed and isn’t a very physical corner. He has a slim build and may need to bulk up and increase his strength. He is a converted receiver with only two years as a full-time starting cornerback. He is a hard worker who is constantly trying to improve his game; however, he is still learning the position and needs to refine his overall technique. He has had some off the field problems including being suspended from school for two semesters after sexually assaulting another student in her apartment. Anwar Phillips has a chance to become a solid cornerback who could also contribute as a return specialist. He should be a late round pick in the 2006 NFL draft.