Slideshow Harrison Phillips of Millard West High in Nebraska. Photo courtesy of stanford.scout.com Previous Next

While the Stanford football team is gearing up for the 2013 season, it's already taking big steps in securing talent for the 2014 campaigns. On Monday, the Cardinal received a verbal commitment from the No. 3-rated player in Nebraska -- defensive end Harrison Phillips.

The 6--foot-4, 240-pound Phillips is a three-star athlete and rated No. 96 at his position, according to Scout.com. He is also an all-state player.

"My top 3 were Kansas St., Nebraska, Stanford," Phillips tweeted. "I felt comfortable at each school. They are all great programs. I sincerely wish them the best. However, I have officially committed to Stanford! I love the staff, recruits, and the success on the field and in the classroom."

As a junior, Phillips has 115 total tackles (80 unassisted), including 35 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and 16 break ups. According to Josh Harvey, publisher of BigRedReport.com that covers Nebraska sports, Nebraska was unsure of where they wanted Phillips to play while Stanford wanted him at his natural position.

Phillips told The (Omaha) World Herald prior to his announcement that the deciding factor to attend Stanford was its strength of education. Another factor was Nebraska's failure to offer him a scholarship six months ago. Had that happened, Phillips said, he wouldn't have left the state. Reportedly, Nebraska offered after Stanford and Kansas State.