JACKSONVILLE – The Clemson defense was limited in the Gator Bowl win over Kentucky, but the Tigers still had one of their captains heading the defense.

Graduate senior safety Jalyn Phillips hadn’t played since October, and forgoing the season to prepare for the NFL draft. He decided to return and freshman Khalil Barnes was thankful to spend another game playing next to the captain.

“We won, and I love them boy…I’m not worried about my statistics. Especially my last game with (Jalyn Phillips). He came in, treated my like a little brother from day one as soon as I got here in the spring so it’s just love for the team and you can tell how close we are. I feel like that’s really going to help us next year, especially momentum wise,” Barnes said.

Winning this game for the seniors was something multiple players emphasized, and that was heightened for Barnes playing with Phillips. He made sure to have his mark on the game with a forced fumble during the Tigers’ comeback.

Following the game, the realization that Barnes and Phillips wouldn’t play together again connected. It led to a moment between the two in the locker room.

“It hit me, it hit him. Got a little emotional, a little teary-eyed but that’s my brother and I know he’s going to be watching. I’m going to be cheering him on and I just hope the best for his future. He’s going to be successful.

Phillips now turns his focus to the professional level and he ended his college career on a high note. Some of the team weren’t sure he’d return, but his love for Clemson and his teammates made it an easy choice.

“I just see how hard he works…he easily could’ve put it up and said ‘I’m, just trying to get my shoulder right for the draft, for pro day and stuff’ but man, he came back,” Barnes said. “He stayed and Coach (Mickey) Conn just asked him why and he said ‘for y’all.'”