Interview: High Expectations Placed upon Talented 2020 California CB Clark Phillips III

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A fair assumption to make about any Saint John Bosco High School football player; if a player does well with the Braves, he will do well anywhere. Because of St. John Bosco’s repeated success, not only in the state of California but nationally, that thought travels with every Braves player, in a similar fashion as an Alabama Crimson Tide player heading off to the NFL. After a winter break transfer from Bosco to La Habra High School, big expectations have been placed upon the very talented Clark Phillips III with all knowing he will deliver.

Phillips more than held his own against his peer group during the 2016 season, he dominated. Picking off five passes from his corner position, opposing offensive coordinators were already game planning to stay away from the 5-10.5, 175 pound, ballhawk. Bosco coaches experimented for one game with Phillips playing receiver. Needless to say the experiment worked with Phillips pulling in three touchdown passes in one game.

Now Phillips joins a tough La Habra squad that posted an 8-5 season in 2016. The Highlanders may be young in some spots but loaded with explosive talent. Phillips will get a chance to play both ways during his sophomore season forming a one-two punch on offense with fellow sophomore, running back Jacobah Fuamatu. On defense, Phillips will create his island that is sure to expand over time allowing fellow defenders to focus on plays in tighter areas knowing anything to his boundary is wrapped up. Phillips already has the size, speed (4.5), athleticism (40 inch vertical), and technique college coaches covet. His sophomore season provides an opportunity to put his skill set to the test leading up to what should be a breakout season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Phillips after he has put his talents to the test during the 7v7 season and at recent Boise State Broncos, Azusa Pacific (satellite), and Washington Huskies camps gaining insight on his growing abilities on the gridiron.

Interview

Clark, how did your game improve during your freshman season? CB

“I came in to Bosco raw. I think I became more physical and comfortable in coverages last year. Cover 3, I did not grasp it as well in 8th grade. During my 9th grade year, I did well in Cover 3. I had a few picks in Cover 3.”

What are some of the strengths to your game?

“I’m an athlete. I have a 40-inch vertical (Rivals camp) and I run a 4.5 40-yard dash. I am a physical corner. I make plays when the ball is in the air. I prevent catches.”

When did you transfer from St. John Bosco to La Habra?

“I transferred in January.”

How will the new staff utilize you on the field during your sophomore season?

“I will definitely be on both sides of the ball. I will play corner and some in the slot. The coaches are high on my speed and physicality. They want to use my speed on offense. They want to get the ball in my hands kind of like De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon Ducks/Kansas City Chiefs).

What are you working on this summer to prepare for the 2017 season?

“Everything. I’m starting with my coverage skills, breaking on the ball faster, and my breathing while I run. I’ve been doing a lot of footwork but not running over distance. I have been running a lot more to get into conditioning shape lately. I’ve been working with my guys, getting to know my guys to have that chemistry as a team so we can play as brothers when the season starts. I’m ready to ball out. I’m getting my mind set, my feet right, and my hands right.”

Did you play any 7v7 ball?

“At first I was playing with Elite Athletes, but now I am playing with my high school team. We’ve done well. We have two tournaments left.”

How did your game get better during the second season?

“I think my game got a lot better. 7v7 is a passing league. All they do is pass outside maybe one run a game. My game got better running a lot of man coverage, Cover 2, and I got better at Cover 3. I love all the coverages. I am learning them and grasping them better.”

Which exposure camps have you attended so far?

“I was supposed to go to Oakland Nike Regional Opening but couldn’t make it. I went to the Rivals camp. I did well there. It was a combine camp during the first part.”

Which college camps have you attended already?

“I went to a Boise State, Azusa Pacific, and a Washington camp (Redlands). I got to meet some coaches at all of the camps. I talked to a lot of coaches at the Redlands camp. Boise liked me. I won a co-Defensive MVP DB honors at the Boise camp with a Mater Dei player.”

Did you get any feedback from any coaches at that camp?

“They said they liked my cover skills and physicality.”

Which camps might you attend coming up?

“I have none planned right now. If I get invited to some camps I may go to some.”

Are any schools showing recruiting interest?

“Washington, Idaho State, Boise State, and UCLA are showing interest. I’m getting a lot of letters.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I have been to USC and UCLA. I was supposed to go to UNLV but couldn’t make it.”

How did the USC visit go?

“It went pretty good. I talked to their coaches and got a pair of gloves and a towel.”

Did your visits to USC or UCLA help give you an understanding of college ball or any part of the recruiting process?

“I watch a lot of USC games. Seeing how many Heisman trophies they have there and titles was a learning experience. They are one of a kind like UCLA.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“Hopefully UNLV this summer. I have had some contact with them recently. They came onto campus to talk to me.”

Which other schools came by La Habra to see you this off-season?

“There were so many; Boise State, Idaho State, Harvard, Navy, USC, UCLA, Michigan State, Azusa Pacific, and some I-AA schools. I can’t remember them all right now.”

What are your personal goals for the rest of the summer and for fall camp?

“I have so many goals that I make, and most of them I do accomplish. When I set a goal I go after it. My first goal is for the season, I want to be All-League at corner and All-League at receiver if I get enough time in at receiver. Before the summer is over I want to be at a high 4.4 in the 40 and increase my vertical to 45 inches. My shuttle needs to be 4-flat. My biggest goal is to get more than two picks without allowing any receptions during the season.”

Clark, thanks for your time today and good luck with your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

Click link to see Clark Phillips III Hudl highlight reel.

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Photo credit: Phillips family; Clark Phillips at the Redlands Camp (2017).

Photo credit: La Habra HS; Clark Phillips picks off a pass in 7v7 action (2017).

Photo credit: Phillips family; Clark Phillips at a FBU camp (2017).