Interview: Three Pick-Six Game Bringing 2020 California CB Clark Phillips Recruiting Spotlight

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In southern California, 7v7 action is extremely competitive. The second season helps carve out the pretenders from the contenders while strengthening individual and team abilities. One player that earned a reputation over the spring and summer on the 7v7 circuit was Clark Phillips. Early on, few may have known of Phillips but by the end of the 7v7 season the reputation had grown. The trick is seeing the transition from t-shirt and shorts to helmet and shoulder pads under the Friday night lights… Clark is living up to his reputation.

Phillips started picking up headway in the Los Angeles area playing his freshman ball with St. John Bosco. After winter break, Clark transferred to La Habra bringing his skillset and athleticism with him. Phillips’ role with the Highlanders during his sophomore year continues to expand and evolve as the season goes along. Not only is he counted on as a shutdown corner, but the coaching staff has placed faith in him as a game changer on offense and on special teams. Through five games, Phillips have rushed six times for 105 yards with a touchdown and pulled in one pass for nine yards. His wizardry in the open-field has been highlighted in the return game taking three kicks back for 82 yards and six punts the other way for 71 yards.

The future is bright for Phillips on offense and as a return specialist, but his first gifts, for now, remain at corner. Teams have tried to test the 5-11, 181 pound, rising star in the run and pass game looking foolish in the process. Phillips has put an end to 24 plays defending 13 passes thus far. The California high school football world had to stand up and take notice after a three pick-six game against Colony (won 49-14) giving him four interceptions on the year.

While Phillips was taking the ball back for three scores tallying 140 return yards, his recruiting interest started skyrocketing upward. A closer look at Phillips, beyond his game to remember, shows his 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical translates onto the field. He comes up in run support, reacts quickly reading plays, is an obvious ballhawk, and has the athleticism and speed to cover small-shifty receivers or tall and quick wideouts. UCLA was the first program to jump on Phillips offering him on Sept. 23. Teams already showing interest includes Washington, Idaho State, Boise State, Eastern Washington with more sure to follow as the 2017 season goes along.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Phillips covering his fantastic three-pick game, the first half of his sophomore season, and his recruiting interest.

Interview

Clark, all anyone can talk about is your three-interception game taking all three picks back to the house for a score. If you will, breakdown how that game went for you.

“The game is a memorable one. I can only thank my trainers, coaches, and players for helping me make those plays, and my safeties fore rerouting the receivers. One of the interceptions was a one-handed pick. I watched a lot of film on Colony, I was prepared for the game. Everything kind of came easy. When I got the first pick, I was thinking I have to take it to the house. The second time, I saw it coming and went to the sidelines with it. The third one was easy too – it was great once I was in the end zone.”

The big game aside, what areas of your game are showing the most improvement?

“I think I am getting better at making open-field tackles, my overall coverage, and reading the quarterback’s eyes. I think I have more picks this year already than I did all last year.”

This season you are getting time on offense. You’re picking up some time at running back. Are you enjoying running the ball this season?

“Yeah. I am glad the coaches are using me on both sides of the ball. It is great to be put into that action in the dogfight.”

How are you preparing for each game during the 2017 season?

“Before every game I pray. But, during the week I study film every day. On the practice field, I am always working on footwork. That does not stop during the season. With film, I’m watching the receivers and routes they run so I can stop them on game day.”

The team had a bye after beating Colony and now face Sunny Hills on Friday, what challenges does their offense present for you and the Highlanders defense?

“I think the only thing we struggle with as a younger team is getting our assignments down. We are improving each week. They have a good running back, but I think we will do well against them.”

Which games left on the schedule are you hyped to play over the others?

“I treat all games the same. I have the same preparation for each.”

Onto recruiting, after the three-pick game, did you see an uptick in recruiting interest?

“Yeah, right after the game five colleges hit me up. They wanted to know my height and see my film. I sent out my film to a few colleges.”

Which schools are showing the most interest in you now?

“UCLA, Arizona, and Boise State. There are others but I can’t think of all them now.”

You picked up an offer from UCLA on Sept. 26, how did they offer you?

“Coach (Demetrice) Martin offered me over the phone.”

What was going through your mind when you received the offer?

“Honestly, I was shocked. I did not say too much. I told him I was appreciative.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this fall?

“I went to UCLA’s game against Colorado (Sept. 30).”

Do you have any others planned?

“I think I will wait until the spring. I am focused on the season.”

Last question, do you think you will see another pass thrown your way this season?

(Laughs) “Hopefully, I want to make more plays. We’ll see.”

Clark, thanks for your time today and good luck against Sunny Hills on Friday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Phillips family; Clark Phillips at UCLA (Sept. 30, 2017)

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 21 Clark Phillips one-handed INT vs Colony