He has no passing yards, rushing totals or receptions, let alone touchdowns.
Why, C.J. Phillips doesn't even have recorded kicks, tackles or passes defensed. Being statistically invisible is just part of the job description for an offensive lineman. But then there is this: C.J. Phillips recently concluded his Morehead State football career with 46 consecutive starts.
That's right. Carlos Junior Phillips started every game of his college career.
"It's extremely impressive," said Patrick St. Louis, MSU's offensive coordinator. "Especially for an offensive lineman."
St. Louis noted that Phillips overcame an ankle injury in 2015 and, this year, had "a shoulder thing" for much of the season. Yet, Phillips rarely even missed a practice.
A 6-foot-2, 269-pound redshirt senior, Phillips was a cornerstone at right tackle as MSU wrapped up a 4-7 campaign. His first three seasons as an Eagle, Phillips played right guard.
He was part of an offensive line that, even with a pass-happy offense, led the Pioneer Football League in fewest sacks allowed in 2015, and ranked second in both 2014 and this season.
"That is one thing we do take a lot of pride in, especially with as much as we throw the ball," Phillips said. "As an offensive line, we really do pride ourselves on not giving up any sacks, any pressures or anything like that. So we try our hardest every week to make sure our quarterback stays safe."
St. Louis describes Phillips' senior-year transition from guard to tackle as "seamless." There were a few techniques to work on, but Phillips accepted the challenge and never missed a beat.
"Inside, you don't have to worry about as much speed and everything," Phillips said. "You're more worried about power moves. Outside, you're kind of out there on that island by yourself. ... The guys you block out there are a little bit quicker, sometimes longer as well. So it's a different beast in itself."
St. Louis considers Phillips' forte' to be run blocking. Yet, Morehead averaged more than 310 passing yards per game this year.
As a youngster, Phillips played baseball before discovering football in the sixth grade. He stepped in at center and, for three years, was coached by his dad, Carlos.
Phillips went on to St. Xavier High School, learning how to play all along the offensive line. Then, he enrolled at Morehead State, where the small-town atmosphere presented a big change from Louisville.
"It took a little getting used to at first," Phillips said. "But, honestly, it's one of the best things I've ever done, deciding to come to Morehead. Once you decide, you realize that you're not in the city, so that not everything is just going to fall in your lap when it comes to things to do. You learn to make your own fun, and that's really when you become more than just friends with some of the people around you. Being able to create your own fun with those friends you have really brings you a lot closer in a place like Morehead and it really makes these friendships worthwhile, and friendships I know I'll have for a lifetime."
It helped that Austin Gahafer - Phillips' high school quarterback - also chose MSU.
Phillips and Gahafer not only are fraternity brothers, they are roommates. They share housing with teammates Dominic Iori and Liam Maloney, along with assistant defensive line coach Rob Lewis.
Spending time with all of the MSU team is what leads Phillips to describe his career highlight.
"It's not a moment. It's just the experiences I've had with all the guys on my team," he said. "There's been guys older than me. There's guys younger than me. And just some of the friendships and the memories that I'll take away from this whole experience in the whole four-and-a-half years I've been here so far. It really means a lot to me, and I'll always remember them."
Pressed to name an on-field highlight, Phillips recalls the Eagles' 38-35 triple-overtime victory over Drake in 2015.
"That was one of those moments you never forget," he said. "I remember the field goal got kicked and we all just took off after our kicker (Shavi Bash) and dog-piled on him in the middle of the field. And that was just one of those things where every time I think about it I'm gonna have a huge smile on my face."
Phillips thought highly enough of Morehead to come in the first place, but he says the program has grown even stronger during his time under head coach Rob Tenyer.
"It's definitely grown - the culture, the character of everyone. It's been a good experience, good seeing it come a long way," Phillips said. "I mean, last year we had our first winning season in a decade and that's something that it's awesome to be a part of, being able to kind of bring wins to Morehead and be able to take pride in what your season has become. So it's definitely come a long way. Coach T has done a great job."
Recognized on the PFL Academic Honor Roll, Phillips will graduate in May with a degree in sport management. He plans to pursue a career in the sports industry, whether in marketing or media relations.
"I do like to take pride in the academics as well," he said. "At the end of the day, that's why we're all here in college, is to get a good education."
