Interview: 2018 California LB Travis Plantier Proves Next Level Worth Against Top National Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The proving grounds for any high school football player is on the field when the lights are on and the fans are in the stands. The test takes another big step forward depending on quality of opposition. Some areas, mainly due to population, have far more college prospects than others giving credibility to reel and the stats. When high school coaches seek out games against other powerhouse programs across the nation, the stakes rise and the competition level is at a peak. One Class of 2018 talent that rose to the occasion time and time again against great national and California competition was Travis Plantier.

Plantier was a two-way standout for Vista Murrieta High School during his senior year after a solid junior campaign. In 2016, he tallied 55 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks, 10 QB hurries, five passes batted down, one fumble recovery, and four forced fumbles playing linebacker. Used primarily as a blocking tight end, Plantier did secure two passes for 20 yards through seven games played.

All eyes were on Plantier in 2018 after his promising junior season. With season opening road games against Colquitt County (GA) and Mission Viejo and back-to-back home games against Orange Lutheran and JSerra, the Broncos were put to the test. Even though he was hampered at times by a badly sprained ankle, the 6-2, 225 pound, playmaker accounted for 49 tackles, 27 solo, 12 TFL, two sacks, six QB hurries, and a fumble recovery. His role on offense expanded beyond a glorified extra tackle moving the chains against the opposition for 121 yards on nine receptions.

Interest has expanded from teams like USC, Utah State, and San Jose State to Illinois, Azusa Pacific, Fresno State, and San Diego State. Offers have been extended from Delaware State, Sacramento State, San Diego, and New Mexico.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I got time for an in-depth discussion with Travis covering his growing skillset on the field and his expanding recruiting interest.

Interview

Travis, before the season began I labeled Vista Murrieta’s schedule through the first four games of the season as the toughest in the nation. You guys lined up against Colquitt County (GA) and Mission Viejo on the road and then hosted Orange Lutheran and JSerra. What was it like kicking the season off against such a high-level of competition?

“It made us go through adversity. Losing those games taught us what we are all about as a team and as individuals. Beating up on schools that were not as good as us and then going up a level taught us a lot. Going against the best taught us a lot and brought the best out of me. I missed some time in two of those games, JSerra and part of OLU, but I found out what I needed to work on with my game and what I excelled at on the field.”

If that wasn’t enough, you guys drew No. 1 Mater Dei in the first round of the playoffs, how did that game go?

“It didn’t go as planned. Again, competing against the best got the best out of me. I did what I could do when I had opportunities.”

Do you remember your stat line from the game?

“I had a batted down pass, five or six tackles, and I caught one pass caught for about 15 yards against Mater Dei.”

Given all the great talent you went up against, which tackles and/or running backs challenged you this season making you better for the experience?

“Mater Dei guard Chris Murray. We went at it all game. Either with me blitzing or him pulling, we got the best of each other. Mater Dei’s running back, Chris Street from (sophomore), he was hard to bring down. He was always fighting for extra yards. He was a lot to handle all night.”

Which game was your best this year?

“The Temecula Valley or Great Oak game were my best. Temecula Valley was my old school. My coaches let me loose in that game. I blitzed a lot in that game. Against Great Oak, I was blitzing a lot against them as well. We lost, but I feel that I did well in that game.”

How did you game improve during your senior year?

“My leadership improved, and I feel I got my game ready for college. I came into the year with the mentality that this was a contract year. I was thinking like that. Every game was a big game, and I had to do well.

“On the field, reading my keys was the biggest area that improved. With blitzing, you don’t have to read as much. On run defense, you have to be able to read, especially playing against great teams like we did in the first four games, to do well. The guys on those teams are more athletic than most. Another improvement, I played faster as the year went on.”

Is there an area of your game that you feel if often overlooked?

“I’d say my speed. My film shows it, but I am faster that most people think. I think people are surprised by how fast I am on the field. On offense, I was lined up outside (receiver) on certain plays. My overall versatility, I believe, is overlooked.”

How did your game improve at tight end this year?

“My blocking improved. I did a lot of blocking this year, on zone and man plays. I worked a lot on my technique and blocking. I improved each week. Catching balls comes naturally to me.”

What was your week-long game prep like for any given team?

“Staying focused. After we went through all that adversity, as a leader I did my best to get the team up and stay focused. We kept fighting throughout the season. We had people doubting us after we lost the first four games, but we stuck together. We had that us verses everyone else attitude this year.”

Have you started focusing on offseason workouts?

“Yeah. Next week I start my offseason plan. I’m in the process of getting ready for college. I’d like to play early if I can.”

Nice transition – which schools are showing interest but have not offered?

“San Diego State and Fresno State. Azusa Pacific is showing interest, they like me as a tight end or H-back. San Diego State and Fresno State like me at linebacker. Illinois was showing interest as well.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Delaware State, Sacramento State, San Diego, and New Mexico have offered me. USC has offered me a preferred walk-on opportunity.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I am taking an official to Sacramento State in a couple of weeks and I am planning one to New Mexico.”

When the time comes for you to make a decision on which school you will sign with, what all will factor into your final decision?

“Where I fit, family atmosphere, and education. Another factor, where do I feel happy waking up in the morning in the offseason. Location of school is important too.”

Travis, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Vista Murrieta Yearbook; No. 9 Travis Plantier