Interview: 4-Star 2020 CB Clark Phillips Updates New Interest and Upcoming Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Everything going on during the 2018 offseason for Clark Phillips is coming up golden. The Class of 2020 cornerback broke through as one of California’s best talents during the 2017 season putting an end to 31 plays while breaking up 15 passes and snagging seven picks. The all-purpose talent even picked up 127 rush yards off eight carries and took back three kicks for 82 yards and six punts for 71 more yards. Now the four-star recruit is fielding offers up and down the western region securing seven thus far; UCLA, Oregon, BYU, Nevada, San Jose State, Utah and Washington. The list is sure to double quickly with interest coming in from Nebraska, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Boise State with new schools seemingly taking notice daily.

After back-to-back standout performances at the Under Armour All-American camp and Nike Los Angeles Regional, the 5-11, 181-pound, speedster is narrowing his own scope of interest adding some potential visits to his offseason to-do list. The La Habra High School standout shares all with RNG.

*Click link for RNG post-Under Armour camp interview with Clark Phillips

Interview

Clark, how did the Nike camp go for you?

“It went great. I had three interceptions. I showed great coverage skills and showed my quickness. I posted a 4.1 shuttle and I got in 17 reps at corner, more than any other DB. It was a really good camp for me.”

What did you do well at the Nike camp?

“Guys know me as a physical corner at the line, but I tested myself on my off-coverage at the Nike camp. About 15 of my 17 reps, I went off-coverage. I played 7-yards off instead of taking every rep in man coverage off the line. I locked them up.”

Between the Nike and Under Armour camp, which did you think you did your best?

“Performance wise, I think I did better at Under Armour camp, but I showed better coverage at Nike. The reps were the difference. If you have more reps, you can show more, especially at corner.”

Who was the best receiver you covered at camps?

“Mycah Pittman (2019 – Calabasas).”

What makes him tough to defend?

“He reminds me of myself. He is a dog out there. Some big guys can be soft, but he is buff and plays with a sense of urgency. He plays physical and fast. I don’t want to give away too much, I will see him Week 2 of the season. I will be ready for that.”

If you will, update me on your new recruiting interest.

“Oregon State is showing interest. Coach Darrick Yray (on-campus recruiting) and Coach Jonathan Smith (head coach) followed me on Twitter. I was able to connect with them and sent them some of my stuff. They checked out my film. I should be speaking with them soon. Alabama and USC are new follows on Twitter.”

Do you have any upcoming visits set?

“I am going to Arizona and Arizona State on spring break. I am going to Oregon’s Spring Game on April 21. Also on my spring break, I plan to visit UCLA, USC, Utah, BYU, and maybe UNLV.”

What has you excited about visiting Arizona?

“I’ve had some great conversations with Coach Demetrice Martin (cornerbacks), he was previously at UCLA. We had a great relationship since he was at UCLA. He gave me a breakdown of their coverage, which I liked. They haven’t offered yet, but I know their interest level is high.”

What about the Arizona State visit, what has you excited about seeing the Sun Devils?

“I am in close contact with Coach Antonio Pierce (linebackers). I sent him my Hudl reel, they have some interest in me there. When I told Coach Pierce I was going out there for a visit, their interest in me rose.”

The Oregon Spring Game should be fun. What has you excited about that trip?

“I want to get a closer look at the staff. I want to see what the players are like and see them in full-speed. I’m excited to discuss coverages with them. I have a great relationship with Donte Williams, I want to expand on that.”

Do you have any more camps upcoming?

“I am done with camps for this spring. I have some 7v7 tournaments upcoming (Body by Tre).”

Clark, thanks for your time today and good luck with all your upcoming visits and 7v7 tournaments.”

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Clark Phillips at the 2018 Under Armour All-American camp