Interview: 2018 California LB Travis Plantier is Setting up for Explosive Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
All movie fans love a great action suspense thriller were the only known is something unexpected but exciting is about to happen. The equivalent for Vista Murrieta High School fans during the 2016 season was the knowledge that their proverbial ticking time bomb on the football field was awaiting a delay to the start of his season over a transfer rule for some explosive gridiron action sure to excite the audience. Once Travis Plantier hit the field, Bronco fans were in for some popcorn thrilling action.
Plantier was limited to seven games during his junior campaign after switching from Temecula Valley to Vista Murrieta but in quick fashion provided what seemed like a full year’s worth of big plays. The 6-2, 225 pound, defensive end/outside linebacker swarmed the field for 55 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks, 10 QB hurries, five passes batted down, one fumble recovery, and four forced fumbles. The Broncos made a two-game run into California’s Division-I playoffs before colliding with perennial powerhouse Mater Dei.
The emerging skill set Plantier brings to the field has not been ignored by college coaches. Interest is building with teams like Colorado, Cal, Boston College, Arizona, and Arizona State wanting to see more. A closer look shows Plantier’s instincts for the game as he is seemingly always around the ball. Plantier is tough off the edge using a mix of speed and bull rush moves applying pressure on the opposing quarterback at will. On the inside, he always stays square putting an end to the play at the point of contact. Scouting Plantier, one can see how quickly he reads his keys, sometimes too quickly. Another year in the Broncos defense will allow the occasional hesitation, making sure he does not overrun the play, to a split second end to another hopeful offensive play going nowhere.
Plantier is giving Bronco fans and college coaches a deeper look into his athleticism in 2017 adding a bigger role at tight end on offense. Plantier got some time in during his junior season on offense hauling in two passes for 20 yards but is expected to expand that role becoming another weapon for the coaching staff on the other side of the ball.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the 2018 class covering his junior season, off-season goals, and recruitment to date.
Interview
What was the playoff run like for you in 2016?
“It was really nice. At my old school we never made it to the playoffs. We were 3-7 during my sophomore season. The Bishop Amat game was my first playoff experience. The crowd was crazy. The fans were nuts. I had a great time.”
How did the games against Bishop Amat and Mater Dei help you grow as a player?
“My game got better playing against the best of the best. I played with my older brother (Kyle – baseball at UC-Santa Barbara) growing up. Playing against better competition like that has helped me become the player I am today.”
From your game film I think I know what your favorite position is but just in case what is your favorite spot on the field?
“Outside linebacker.”
Who was the toughest tackle or running back you went up against last season?
“The toughest running back was Olita Palmer from Murrieta Valley. The toughest tackle was Tommy Brown from Mater Dei.”
You got some snaps in on offense last season at tight end-
“I played two games at tight end last season.”
What are some of the things you do well on the field as a tight end?
“I feel like I am versatile. I have soft hands. I’m a mismatch with a safety and a linebacker. I am very athletic.”
What sets you apart from other outside linebackers in your class?
“Playing both sides of the ball has helped. Covering people is a lot easier for me now. My awareness and off the edge speed helps set me apart.”
What parts of your game are important to you to fine-tune before your senior season?
“My motor. Last year was my first year playing linebacker. I was trying to learn it all. I will play faster next season. I will get stronger in the weight too. All of that will translate well to the field.”
Will your role on the team change at all in 2017?
“I will play the same positions but I will play more at tight end and in the slot. This year we had (Karson) Greenly at tight end and in the slot. At linebacker, I will have the same role off the edge and be in the middle sometimes. Because of my size I will be better at middle linebacker this year.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you now?
“Washington State, San Jose State, and Utah State are in touch with me the most.”
Which camps are you looking at attending this off-season?
“I am going to the Nike camp, a Rivals camp, UCLA and USC. I’m trying to go to an Arizona camp too.”
Have you taken any visits yet?
“No. I’m taking one on Saturday to USC.”
What has you excited about the USC visit?
“My great grandfather (Chuck Williams) was a team captain for USC. He was the first athlete on the cover of Life. USC is a big part of our family tradition. USC is in my blood.”
What other planned visits do you have set up or possibly take?
“I want to go to UCLA, Fresno State, and San Jose State.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.1.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I was scheduled to take the SAT on Saturday but I’m going to USC. Now I’m taking it in May. I will take the ACT in April.”
Do you play any other sports?
“I have played basketball and baseball. I was on the JV team for both during my freshman year.”
What is your goal for your senior season besides winning a state championship?
“To be recruited and to have a standout year. I feel like I am under rated due to lack of film. I want to do well, get my film out there, and get offers.”
Travis, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit to USC.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Chris Trevino; No. 9 Travis Plantier.
Photo credit: Plantier family; No. 9 Travis Plantier.