Virginia Tech football: Cam Phillips shines again in the XFL

The relaunch of the XFL began two weeks ago with the hopes of giving football fans something else to watch once the NFL and college seasons ended. The XFL was also an opportunity for players to shine and perhaps get an opportunity — or another shot — at the NFL.

Well, former Virginia Tech star Cam Phillips is certainly taking advantage of his newfound opportunities. Phillips, who plays for the Houston Roughnecks, caught eight passes for 194 yards in his team’s 34-27 win over the Tampa Bay Vipers. The win moves Houston to 3-0 on the season.

If you think Phillips’ performance was a breakout moment, well, that just isn’t true. In the first two weeks of XFL action, Phillips caught 12 passes for 130 and four touchdowns. With his performance against Tampa Bay, Phillips now leads the XFL in all receiving categories.

Phillips, who departed Virginia Tech after the 2017 season as the school’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, signed with the Buffalo Bills after going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft.

He spent the 2018 season going between Buffalo’s active roster and practice squad before being released this past August. For Phillips, the XFL was his shot at getting back to the NFL — and staying this time.

When Phillips was a Hokie, he lined up outside and in the slot and was often too much for any defensive back. And this was often without a stable quarterback situation. So, most Virginia Tech fans were surprised Phillips didn’t initially stick in the NFL.

Now, he just may get his chance.

The XFL has a 10-week regular season followed by a four-team playoff. Once that period ends, Phillips could very well find himself back on an NFL roster. With the league now trending to a more pass-first philosophy, there’s no question he belongs.

So, Hokie Nation, are you watching the XFL? If not, you should be if for nothing more than to see just Phillips dominate. He could very well end up being the league’s MVP.