Cited by Pat Abbruzzi as one of the four best football linemen he ever coached, Larry McPhillips was a sophomore starter on Pat’s undefeated Class B Super Bowl Champions in 1975.  Then, in his final two years at Warren High School, he earned All Class B Small honors.

At the University of Rhode Island he lettered in his final three seasons.  In his junior year his leadership skills were evidenced by the fact that he, along with three senior teammates, was elected a co-captain by his peers.

In his senior year the University’s football program had this to say about Larry under the caption “Rams to Watch”:  “Coach Bob Griffin considers him among the best athletes on his squad and one of the finest he’s had the opportunity to coach.  Center and offensive guard standout for two years, he shifted to defensive tackle in the spring and immediately became a star.  Tough, intelligent player and a team leader.”  The coach must have known something, since Larry led the Rams to the 1981 Yankee Conference Championship.

In 1990 Bob Griffin and the University of Rhode Island Fifth Quarter Club named Larry an offensive guard on the University’s All 1980s team.

Picture from Hall of Fame archives