Here’s how Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III has looked at the NFL combine

Plus, other updates about Utah and BYU football players at the NFL Combine.

The NFL combine started in earnest Thursday, with college players from all over the country participating in several events like the 40-yard dash, bench press and vertical leap in an effort to impress scouts and general managers from across the league.

Seven players with Utah ties were invited to the 2023 combine: Quarterback Jaren Hall, wide receiver Puka Nakua and offensive tackle Blake Freeland from BYU; and cornerback Clark Phillips III, running back Tavion Thomas, tight end Dalton Kincaid and offensive tackle Braeden Daniels from the University of Utah.

Players arrived in Indianapolis a few days ago to prepare for their events and other obligations during the combine.

Below are live updates of how the seven players from the Beehive State fared in their various events and other news and notes from the combine.

Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

Phillips recorded an unofficial time of 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash on Friday. In the 10-yard split, he recorded a time of 1.51 seconds. As for his vertical jump, he clocked in at 33 inches.

Phillips’s 40-yard dash mark was the eighth fastest among defensive backs at the combine.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote on NFL.com that Phillips may not be big or long, but he’s a playmaker, and has the traits to continue that at the professional level.

“He’s a voracious student of the game and has developed a feel for reading the quarterback’s drops and eyes,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s a little tight-hipped and can give away separation at the top of the route, but when he’s clued in, Phillips uses aggressive angles to search for takeaways. He’s tough, smart and knows how to play.”

During his media appearance, Phillips said he wants to bring consistency, hard work and dedication to an NFL locker room — the same traits he ascribed to former teammate and current Jacksonville Jaguar Devin Lloyd.

“I’m going to try to be the best cornerback on the roster,” Phillips said.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid, who missed the Rose Bowl due to an injury, will not be competing in any of the events during the combine, but indicated he is “hoping” to participate at Utah Pro Day on March 23.

Even though he’s not testing in any of the events, there is already some buzz that Kincaid could be the top tight end in the NFL Draft and could be taken in the first round. He said he has had formal meetings with several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa…