Seventh in a series of stories profiling the best secondary football players by position. Today, Tristan Phillips, Ventura secondary.
It’s lunchtime, and the second -hand competition Tristan Phillips arrived in his truck in a private training establishment near Ventura High for training. When he starts his stretching exercises, you cannot miss his bulging biceps or the intense accent on his face.
“He is obsessed with work to be the best possible version of himself,” said coach Tim Garcia.
At 6 feet 3 1/2 and 215 pounds, Phillips size alone makes runners and quarter-backs want to avoid himself. Add his work ethics to continue to become stronger, his instinct to understand where the ball and his passion go to finish the pieces, and you have a secondary with all the qualities to succeed.
“I am very obsessed with the process,” said the 17 -year -old player.
Last season as a junior, Phillips recorded 80 plated, including nine for defeats. At first, the recruitment process was slow, then came a time when he received telephone calls and constant SMS. He joined Oregon and offered a lesson to those who are starting to understand the changes that take place. He stressed that this should be an “deed of balancing”.
“At the beginning, it was difficult to navigate and frustrate when I do not attract the attention that I thought deserved,” he said. “When I received a few offers, I felt that it was incredible. I realized how stressful it becomes the coaches call you and send you SMS. It can be a lot for a 17 -year -old child.”
Phillips was helped by his father’s background, Brett, who used to train in Rio Mesa, Oxnard Pacifica and the angle islands. His late grandfather was the director and former coach of Rio Mesa. He lived in Ventura all his life and grew up with the quarter Derek Garcia. They have contributed since the youth days, Phillips asking questions to the father of Garcia in the hope of preparing to play football in high school.
“He has always had the support of his parents to understand what athletics does for the young generation and being productive daily,” said Tim Garcia. “Looking at its growth as not only as an athlete but as a human being is special. Tristan always asked the right questions.” What’s going on with Ventura? What about this player? What do you think of that? “” From an early age, he had taken his mind what he wanted to do. “”
The second Tristan Phillips of Ventura is preparing for training with a stretching exercise.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
So what makes people excited about Phillips as a second?
“His ability to play directly on him and far from him is spectacular to watch,” said Garcia.
Phillips said: “Whether it is the blocking or the blow in defense, I want to make sure that I put you in the ground and that you feel it.”
Tristan Phillips de Ventura is one of the best seconds returning to California.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
Much of the preparation of Phillips comes from his conviction that magical things can happen in the weight room. In the spring, he raised in the morning, then in the afternoon, but also grateful that he needed time to recover and not do too much.
“In a football team, it all starts in the weight room,” he said. “You must be robust, strong, fast, move from one side to the other, to keep yourself healthy. There are a lot of things you can do in the bodybuilding room to avoid injuries and improve.”
Phillips’ competitiveness goes through training and performing small things, such as stretching. All this is part of the process he kisses while trying to improve every day.
“I admit that I am a painful loser,” he said. “I spend so much time there. I know that you are not going to win each battle, but enjoying each opportunity is really important. ”
Tuesday: Palos defensive rear verdes Jalen Flowers.
Seconds to watch
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Jonathan McKinley, Corona Centennial, 6-2, 225, Sr.: Cal Commit made games
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Matthew Muasau, St. John Bosco, 6-1, 225, Sr.: Ucla Commit
Isaiah Phelps, Oxnard Pacifica, 6-1, 200, Jr.: Speed, instincts
Tristan Phillips, Ventura, 6-3, 215, sr.: Oregon Commit attacks the machine
Shaun Scott, Mater Dei, 6-3, 240, Sr.: USC Commit is counted on a disruptor this season
