Asking a defensive end to move inside to the tackle spot is something coaches rarely want to do, but Butch Jones has been impressed with how well Kyle Phillips has handled that transition.

The sophomore picked up a career-high five tackles against South Carolina last weekend despite playing at defensive tackle. It’s not the ideal spot for the 6-foot-4, 264-pounder, whose shift inside was made necessary because of the massive attrition Tennessee has experienced at the position.

Jones said Phillips’ selfless move has “tremendous value,” especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding Jalen Hurd’s mid-season transfer.

“Everything it about the team with him,” Jones said Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference. “He wants the team to win. He’s becoming a voice and an example for this team.”

The Volunteers have lost three defensive tackles for the season — Kahlil McKenzie (torn pectoral), Danny O’Brien (dismissed from team) and Shy Tuttle (leg injury).

“We will need (Phillips) these last 4 games,” Jones said.