Prior to Southern - Played his high school football for new Lions' offensive coordinator Bob Howell. A 5-11, 190 pound defensive back, Philson was 6-4A All-District as a junior, and earned the same honor this past season as a senior. He was a member of the Baton Rouge All-Metro team in 2011 and played in the 2011 Baton Rouge Red Stick Bowl, an All-Star game for metro area players.