REILAREAN PHILLIPS IS AS UNIQUE AS HIS NAME.
When you mention his name to coach Shea Rodriguez, his eyes light up.
“What can’t this guy do?” second-year head coach Rodriguez said. “He’s just so raw athletically, once he figures out how good he can by, the sky is the limit.”
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound ball of fast-twitch muscle will play offense, defense and special teams in 2024 as the junior continues to hone his game.
“I feel like I haven’t even played my best football,” he said. “This upcoming season, people will see what I’m fully capable of.”
With tremendous upside and versatility, Phillips has a gapped-tooth smile as big as Texas and a big personality to match.
“I’m so thankful for these college who have showed so much interested in me,” he said. “Houston was the first to offer and it took off from there. It has really inspired me to get in the weight room to get bigger and faster.”
Baylor, Ole Miss, Washington State and SMU have also offered, among others.
“What I’m doing now is watching a lot of film to learn from college and NFL players and how they play their position.
“I love how Michigan runs their defense and how Kyle Hamilton plays his position for the Baltimore Ravens. I love Jaire Alexander also (Green Bay Packers).”
As the Rams continue to develop into a playoff contender under Rodriguez, Elsik will rely on Phillips to improve on its 2-5 district record from a year ago.
“We are really talented, and this will be a big year for us,” he predicts. “I’ll play anywhere to help my team...linebacker, running back, receiver. I do love playingoutside linebacker, though. It gets me in space where I can hit people.”
When he’s not watching Friday Night Tykes or anime, Phillips is on the game...like everyone else this summer.
“I can’t wait to see myself on the game (EA CollegeFootball 25),” he said. “That is a dream of mine.”
Stay tuned. This dream is coming true.