Interview: 3-Star 2020 DE Philip Blidi Updates Season and Bond with Red Raiders Staff
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In New Mexico’s 4A high school football classification, a battle is brewing between a couple of powerhouses when looking ahead to the playoffs – No. 1 Bloomfield (9-0) vs. No. 2 Portales (8-1). The top two teams, per MaxPreps, did not play one another last season, giving a little more excitement about what may be coming down the line. If the Bobcats keep their undefeated streak going in a collision course with the Rams, Class of 2020 defensive end Philip Blidi will be there ready to impolitely greet them all.
Blidi absolutely showed out during his junior season crushing 90 ball carriers with 52 solo stops, 14 tackles for a loss, four sacks, and a force fumble on the stat sheet. His full 2019 season stats have not been released but he has amassed at least 60 total tackles with a whole lot of plays being ended by No. 62 in the opposition’s backfield.
That ability to stop a play before it begins or to throw it off course in a heartbeat has brought about 10 reported scholarship offers: Abilene Christian, Illinois State, New Mexico, New Mexico State, SMU, Texas Tech, Tulsa, UCLA, Utah, and UTEP. But the process was ended back on Aug. 9 when the 6-3.5, 258-pound, three-star recruit verbally committed to the Red Raiders. Since then, the bond with the Red Raiders staff has grown and Blidi has shared his vision of Tech’s future with top prospects helping to build a top recruiting class.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of the New Mexico’s best senior talents for an update on his season.
*Click link for Blidi’s Texas Tech commitment interview with RNG
Interview
Phillip, the Rams are having a fantastic season with an 8-1 record. How has the team come together throughout the season leading to the great year?
“It has been us putting together plays. Our younger guys are stepping up and everyone is on the same page wanting to take care of business. We are staying focused and disciplined. We are working to a state championship this season. We have the pieces for a title, we are putting the puzzle together.”
The defense has been stout holding teams down to 14 per game. What is working for you guys on that side of the ball?
“On defense, it is our balance. Our linebackers are good and our defensive backs are doing well. We have a really good defensive line. We have Romeo on the outside, Britton in the middle, and me on the other side. We are working well as a unit. We have speed and power on our defense.”
When we spoke last in August, you were working on your technique leading into the season. How has all that hard offseason work paid off this year?
“I am seeing it paying off noticing they cannot block me if I do my technique. I am using my hands better, getting off the ball and attacking better this season. That hard work is certainly paying off.”
The swim move and the club is working for you this year, where are you showing the biggest improvements in other parts of your overall game on defense that you have not mentioned already?
“Finishing tackles and destroying the guy in front of me – those are other big improvements for me this season.”
How are teams trying to block you?
“Every team has been triple-teaming me or they run away from my side. We have put me on the weakside and are switching me around trying to prevent them from running away from me.”
You are also clearing jokers out on offense; I’ve seen that punch of yours de-cleating a guy. Where all are you lining up and how is that part of your season going?
(Laughs) “On offense, they have me playing guard. I am doing really well at that this season. I took my aggressiveness from defense and my quickness and put that into my play on offense. I am not the average offensive lineman. I am quick and I am strong. I have been getting a lot of pancakes in every game this season.”
Of them all, which has been your personal best game this year?
“The St. Pius game has been my best.”
Why that game?
“The reason why, I used my hands a lot; I used them really well. I came off the ball really well in that game and I finished my plays. I was dominating using my hands, getting off the ball on every down, and doing my thing. I was smooth in that game.”
When we last chatted, you had just committed to Texas Tech. How has the relationship with the Red Raiders staff grown over the last couple of months?
“We have gotten a lot closer after more visits and more time talking to one another. We are still getting closer; I talk to them each week. I know them better now and they know me better. At Texas Tech, it is like a family atmosphere when I go there. It is a good time.”
When was your last visit to Lubbock?
“The weekend before last, for the Iowa State game (Oct. 19).”
Overall, how did it go?
“It went very well. I met some new recruits and I saw some I knew already. It was smooth. I had a good time seeing Coach (Matt) Wells and the staff. I have that bond with everyone as soon as I get there.”
When are you going there next?
“If I am free, I will go to the TCU game (Nov. 16).”
How are you pitching other recruits to join you in Lubbock?
“I’m telling them about the family atmosphere there and how everyone cares about each other. The connection is real. When they get there, they see that for themselves. When they get there, they see what I am saying is for real.”
Phillip, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck closing out the season and getting that ring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Blidi family; Philip Blidi