Interview: 3-Star 2021 California CB Bryce Phillips Talks New Role with Orange Lutheran

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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After being a mainstay on the gridiron with La Habra High School over the past two seasons, Class of 2021 cornerback Bryce Phillips is taking on a new challenge in 2020. The three-star recruit has transferred to Orange Lutheran ready to take on some of the nation’s best players and teams in the Trinity League. The 6-0, 178-pound, defender was a big part of the Highlanders’ 10-3 run in 2019 recording 25 tackles, 21 solo, with five passes broken up in stats posted through seven games. That action has brought two offers his way so far with interest continuing to build.

Lining up against the best of the best promises for a showcase senior season for Phillips with the Lancers. To talk about his new team, workouts, and recruiting process, Phillips stopped by the RNG Lab for a catch-up interview.

Interview

Bryce, overall, how have your offseason workouts gone preparing for your senior season?

They have been good. I have been working on my technique and on my speed during the quarantine. I am ready for the season. I’ve been working on my press man, my off man, and my catch. All the different things a good corner needs to be able to do.

When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were your strengths as defensive back?

Getting my hands on the receiver, being patient, and locking them up.

What were some of the coverages you guys were running last season?

Cover 3 and man. We were going all man across the board with no safety help. We did a lot of Cover 3.

You just touched on this, but going deeper. Since the end of your junior run, what have you been working on with the small details to your game?

My feet, eyes, and keeping my eyes right. I have got the speed. I have been working on comebacks, posts, my hips and flexibility.

You transferred this offseason to Orange Lutheran, what style of defense will you execute in 2020?

Our base is a Cover 4, but we play a lot of man and cloud. We switch it up a lot. I like it.

What roles are you taking on with your new team?

Corner and I may play some safety or nickel. Whatever they need me to play.

What has you excited about taking on Trinity League competition this year?

The players and the receivers I’ll get to go against. Cali has the best players and the best teams in the nation, that will make me better.

How have you added weight and muscle to your frame this offseason?

Doing our school workouts: presses, squats, and goblin squats. I am getting older. I am a late bloomer, but I am getting taller and stronger.

What kind of speed and agility drills have you been doing?

Sprints; the best thing for speed is getting out and running. I have been doing 100s and 50s, ladders, breaks, and working on my backpedal. I will run for 20 yards after the break.

When the season kicks off in January, what are you wanting to showcase after this extended layoff?

My speed, my hips, how fluid they are, and my strength. This season I am locking up, no catches allowed.

Going into recruiting now. Which schools are showing interest?

Boise State, Dixie State, Weber State, and Arizona.

Which schools have offered?

Florida Atlantic and Morgan State.

With all the oddities to this recruiting class, things that are all out of the hands of the Class of 2021 players, how are you handling the recruiting process?

I am keeping a daily schedule and working on the little things. I am focused on school and working out. When the right school offers, I will commit right away with the right school. Whenever that comes, I do not plan on waiting.

Before we part, I have to ask what it was like for you getting to watch your older brother (Clark) start and play for Utah over the weekend?

It was fun and exciting. I like watching him play his game. We have different games; he is shorter. It was fun watching him play against the guys we train with here in southern California.

With him going up against all the guys he’s trained against and with for years, was there a lot of friendly talking going on with the guys?

I don’t know. I’m sure there was. Wish we could be there to have seen the game in person.

How does his success help inspire you pushing forward in your own career?

Me seeing him grind, it motivated me seeing him going every day during the quarantine. When he was gone, there was no one pushing me telling me what I am doing wrong.

Bryce, thanks for your time today. Wishing you continued success preparing for your senior season this winter.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Phillips family; Bryce Phillips