GAMES
RANKINGS
Alief Elsik's Chi Bui
ON THE FLY: Elsik's Bui fully-immersed in new sport, culture
“I just started swimming during my sophomore year,” he said. “It was something my cousin got me interested in and I found it to be really fun and competitive. I hadn’t really done it before so I was pretty awful to begin with. But, I’ve gotten better, so that has kept me in it up to this point.”
Picking up an unfamiliar sport is difficult enough as it is.
Doing so while acclimating to a new home and culture, as Bui has, is another ordeal, entirely.
“I actually moved here from my home country of Vietnam just two years ago,” said Bui. “Just like swimming, I’m still adjusting to a new lifestyle. The hardest part has been the language barrier. Growing in this different environment hasn’t always been easy, but I think I’m finally beginning to get used to it.”
Of course, living in the U.S. does have its benefits.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
“The best part of living here is, definitely, the food. Buc-ees is my favorite so far, but I also like Chipotle and Whataburger. There’s so much to choose from and I’ve really grown to appreciate the variety.”
Now that he’s been properly introduced to the American way, Bui will look to continue honing his skills in the water, entering his junior year.
“The main goal for me now is to try to make Regionals,” he said. “I wasn’t able to get there last year. But, I know that if I can keep improving and learning, then I can at least do well in the district in order to potentially reach that level.”
Time will tell if Bui can accomplish that feat. However, the progress he’s made as a student-athlete and immigrant is nothing short of remarkable.
Alief Elsik's Reilarean Phillips
THAT DUDE: Elsik's Phillips has elite talent, smile to match
“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.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“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.
Phillips alongside teammate Samuel MarcelinBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“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.”
2024-25 Alief Elsik FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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.