Utes kicker Andy Phillips selected as preseason Sports Illustrated All-American

Could the past 24 hours be going any better for Andy Phillips?

The Utes announced yesterday that the sophomore kicker was one of three walk-ons who had earned scholarships. On Monday evening, Phillips tweeted out a picture of himself signing his scholarship documents.

On Tuesday morning, Phillips was revealed to be a Sports Illustrated preseason second-team All-American, the latest in what is becoming a long line of distinction for the skier-turned kicker.

Phillips was a surprise bright spot for the U. last fall, going 17-for-20 on field goals and making all 41 extra point attempts. He was perfect on his first 11 attempts, gaining the moniker "Automatic Andy" from some fans.

He's a candidate for the Lou Groza award, and has been on several preseason All-Pac-12 teams.

Great things are expected.

On Monday afternoon, Kyle Whittingham spoke about the luxury of having a kicker and a punter (Tom Hackett) who are both seen as elite specialists. A media member asked if it had to do with the position coach - Whittingham is the special teams coordinator this year - which was met with a laugh.

"It's due not at all from the position coach," Whittingham said. "It's all on the talent of those players. Two talented and mentally tough kids."

Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon