Seventh in a sequence of tales profiling prime highschool soccer gamers by place. At this time, Tristan Phillips, Ventura linebacker.
It’s lunch time, and standout linebacker Tristan Phillips has arrived in his truck at a personal coaching facility close to Ventura Excessive for a exercise. When he begins his stretching workouts, you possibly can’t miss his bulging biceps or the extraordinary concentrate on his face.
“He’s obsessed with working to be the best possible version of himself,” coach Tim Garcia mentioned.
At 6 toes 3 1/2 and 215 kilos, Phillips’ measurement alone makes him somebody working backs and quarterbacks need to keep away from. Add his work ethic to maintain getting stronger, his instincts to determine the place the ball goes and his ardour to complete performs, and you’ve got a linebacker with all of the qualities to achieve success.
“I’m very obsessed with the process,” the 17-year-old mentioned.
Final season as a junior, Phillips recorded 80 tackles, together with 9 for losses. At first, the recruiting course of was sluggish, then got here a degree when he was getting fixed cellphone calls and texts. He’s dedicated to Oregon and has provided a lesson to these simply starting to grasp the adjustments happening. He harassed it must be a “balancing act.”
“At first, it was hard to navigate through and frustrating when I wasn’t getting the attention I thought I deserved,” he mentioned. “When I got a couple offers, I felt it was amazing. I realized how stressful it gets coaches calling you and texting you. It can be a lot for a 17-year-old kid.”
Phillips has been helped by the background of his father, Brett, who used to educate at Rio Mesa, Oxnard Pacifica and Channel Islands. His late grandfather was the principal and former coach at Rio Mesa. He has lived in Ventura all his life and has grown up with quarterback Derek Garcia. They’d carpooled since youth days, Phillips asking questions of Garcia’s dad hoping to organize to play highschool soccer.
“He’s always had support of his parents with understanding what athletics does for younger generation and to be productive on a daily basis,” Tim Garcia mentioned. “Watching his growth as not just as an athlete but a human being is special. Tristan was always asking the right questions. ‘What’s going on with Ventura? What about this player? What do you think of this?’’ From an early age, he had his mind set what he wanted to do.”
Linebacker Tristan Phillips of Ventura prepares for a exercise with a stretching train.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Occasions)
So what makes individuals enthusiastic about Phillips as a linebacker?
“His ability to make plays directly at him and away from him are spectacular to watch,” Garcia mentioned.
Mentioned Phillips: “Whether blocking or hitting on defense, I want to make sure I’m putting you in the ground and you’re feeling it.”
Tristan Phillips of Ventura is likely one of the prime returning linebackers in California.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Occasions)
A lot of Phillips’ preparation comes from his perception that magical issues can occur within the weight room. Throughout the spring, he was lifting within the morning, then within the afternoon, but in addition recognizing he wants time to recuperate and to not overdo it.
“On a football team, it all starts in the weight room,” he mentioned. “You have to be sturdy, strong, fast, move side to side, keep yourself healthy. There’s a lot of things you can do in the weight room to prevent injury and improve.”
Phillips’ competitiveness comes by in exercises and executing little issues, comparable to stretching. It’s all a part of the method he embraces making an attempt to get higher each day.
“I’ll admit I’m a sore loser,” he mentioned. “I put so much time into it. I know you’re not going to win every battle but just making the most of every opportunity really matters.”
Tuesday: Palos Verdes defensive again Jalen Flowers.
Linebackers to observe
Taven Epps, Tustin, 6-4, 225, Jr: A lot of expertise and potential
Sprint Fifita, Santa Margarita, 5-9, 190, Sr.: Arizona commit is All-Trinity League choice
Taylor Johnson, Cajon, 6-1, 200, Sr.: USC commit averaged 14 tackles final season
Isaiah Leilua, Servite, 6-0, 220, Jr.: Toughness and aggressiveness come by
Jonathan McKinley, Corona Centennial, 6-2, 225, Sr.: Cal commit makes performs
Samu Moala, Leuzinger, 6-4, 225, Sr.: Texas A&M commit will probably be used throughout area
Matthew Muasau, St. John Bosco, 6-1, 225, Sr.: UCLA commit
Isaiah Phelps, Oxnard Pacifica, 6-1, 200, Jr.: Has quickness, instincts
Tristan Phillips, Ventura, 6-3, 215, Sr.: Oregon commit is tackling machine
Shaun Scott, Mater Dei, 6-3, 240, Sr.: USC commit is counted on to be disruptor this season
