Ventura High linebacker Tristan Phillips maximizes

Seventh in a sequence of tales profiling prime high college soccer gamers by place. Today, 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 High for a exercise. When he begins his stretching workout routines, you possibly can’t miss his bulging biceps or the extraordinary focus on his face.

“He’s obsessed with working to be the best possible version of himself,” coach Tim Garcia stated.

At 6 ft 3 1/2 and 215 kilos, Phillips’ dimension alone makes him somebody operating backs and quarterbacks need to keep away from. Add his work ethic to keep getting stronger, his instincts to determine where the ball goes and his ardour to end performs, and you could have a linebacker with all the qualities to achieve success.

“I’m very obsessed with the process,” the 17-year-old stated.

Last season as a junior, Phillips recorded 80 tackles, including 9 for losses. At first, the recruiting course of was sluggish, then got here a level when he was getting fixed cellphone calls and texts. He’s dedicated to Oregon and has supplied a lesson to those just starting to perceive the adjustments going down. He harassed it wants to 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 stated. “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 coach 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 put together to play high college 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 stated. “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.”

So what makes people excited about Phillips as a linebacker?

“His ability to make plays directly at him and away from him are spectacular to watch,” Garcia stated.

Said 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 one of the highest returning linebackers in California.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Much of Phillips’ preparation comes from his perception that magical issues can occur in the weight room. During the spring, he was lifting in the morning, then in the afternoon, but also recognizing he wants time to recuperate and not to overdo it.

“On a football team, it all starts in the weight room,” he stated. “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 through in exercises and executing little issues, such as stretching. It’s all half of the method he embraces making an attempt to get higher every day.

“I’ll admit I’m a sore loser,” he stated. “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 back Jalen Flowers.

Linebackers to watch

Taven Epps, Tustin, 6-4, 225, Jr: Lots of expertise and potential

Dash 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 through

Jonathan McKinley, Corona Centennial, 6-2, 225, Sr.: Cal commit makes performs

Samu Moala, Leuzinger, 6-4, 225, Sr.: Texas A&M commit shall be used all over 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