Troy edge Phillip Lee chooses the Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE — Troy edge Phillip Lee has signed with Arkansas over a long list of others in pursuit.

Lee, 6-4, 240, had 31 tackles, 11 for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble and a pass breakup in 12 games for Troy in 2024. Lee connected well with Sam Pittman.

“I spent a lot of time with the coaches, seeing the facilities, they’re very nice and big,” Lee said. “Also, being around Coach Pittman, he’s a cool person coaching football.”

In addition to Pittman, Deke Adams, who will be Lee’s coach at Arkansas impressed him.

“He’s a great person, a great man,” Lee said. “I love him, I like him, I can’t wait to be around him even more.”

Lee told Hogville.net why he chose the Razorbacks and ended his recruiting very early.

“The relationship with all the coaches on the defensive staff,” Lee said. “They said they need a dawg, well I’m a dawg. I can’t wait to get to work with them.” 

Lee also talked about what being a dawg in the SEC means.

“It means a lot,” Lee said. “It’s the biggest level of college football. It’s time for me to show my skills and what a dog is. We’re going to play relentless, physical, play fearless, violent, fast and explosive off the ball.”

Lee was considered one of the best pass rushers in the transfer portal and the Razorbacks, like all schools, is looking for players who can get to the opposing quarterback.

“Getting off the ball faster than the offensive linemen,” Lee said. “Beating them to the quarterback. My job is to get to the quarterback and make sure he knows I’m in his face and know I’m there.”

Lee watched Landon Jackson do that for Arkansas and was very impressed with the former Razorback who is now waiting on this week’s NFL Draft.

“He’s a beast,” Lee said. “I’m just looking to do what he did and do even better.”

Lee’s parents also were on the visit to Fayetteville.

“They love it,” Lee said. “They’re happy, they’re excited, they’re ready for this next journey.”

Lee joins Kent State linebacker Trent Whalen, 6-3, 235, Maine safety Shakur Smalls, 6-0, 205, and Stanford cornerback Julian Neal, 6-2, 200, as new Razorbacks.