Do-it-all linebacker Phillips ‘very obsessed with the process’

With a keen nose for ballcarriers, Ventura High game-wrecker is often in weight room.

- By Eric SONDHEIMER

Seventh in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Tristan Phillips, Ventura linebacker.

It’s lunch time, and standout linebacker Tristan Phillips has arrived in his truck at a private training facility near Ventura High for a workout. When he starts his stretching exercises, you can’t miss his bulging biceps or the intense focus on his face.

“He’s obsessed with working to be the best possible version of himself,” coach Tim Garcia said.

At 6-feet-3½ and 215 pounds, Phillips’ size alone makes him someone running backs and quarterbacks want to avoid. Add his work ethic to keep getting stronger, his instincts to figure out where the ball is going and his passion to finish plays, and you have a linebacker with all the qualities to be successful.

“I’m very obsessed with the process,” the 17-year-old said.

Last season as a junior, Phillips recorded 86 tackles, including nine for losses.