Phillips finishes third in SPARQ National Championship

North Little Rock safety Tyler Phillips jumps 42.3 inches in the vertical during the SPARQ National Championship.

— North Little Rock safety Tyler Phillips finished third in the Nike SPARQ National Championship at The Opening held at Nike Headquarters.

He came into the competition as the national leader in the SPARQ Combines with a 141.36 rating. He had a 4.63 electronic time in the 40 yard dash, 3.97 shuttle, 42.3 vertical and a 43 foot power ball toss for a rating of 143.00.

Receiver Kirk Merritt of Destrehan, La. won the event with a 148.83 SPARQ rating while defensive lineman Josh Sweat of Chesapeake, Va. finished second.

North Little Rock receiver K.J. Hill finished ninth. He recorded a 4.61 time in the 40, 3.94 shuttle, 38.2 vertical and a 39.5 power ball toss.

The prelims were held on turf while the finals were on grass.