2020 CA CB Clark Phillips III Interested In Notre Dame

2020 La Habra (Calif.) cornerback Clark Phillips‍ is one of the top prospects on the West Coast and the four-star prospect will be a hot name in the months on the recruiting trail. 

Notre Dame cornerbacks coach Todd Lyght is well-aware of the 5-foot-10, 178-pounder.  

“I have spoken with Coach Lyght,” stated Phillips. “I’m actually supposed to call him this evening. Hopefully, I get some good news.” 

BYU, Nevada, Oregon, San Jose State, UCLA, Utah and Washington have already extended offers to Phillips, but Phillips is eyeing an offer from the Irish. 

“Notre Dame would be a big offer I’d love to get,” Phillips said. “I’d love to build a relationship with Coach Lyght. I know of a couple of players that have gone there like Javon McKinley.

“An offer would be big for my family and me. The academic standards at Notre Dame are different than other schools. I know if I graduated from Notre Dame, I can pursue my career goals off the football field and be a better man because of it.” 

The early attention isn’t lost on Phillips. The California native is grateful for the chance to continue his education and football career, but he also knows he has to take care of things on his end. 

“It’s a blessing to have these offers,” explained Phillips. “At any moment these things can be taken away from me if I don’t handle my business in the classroom. I’m making strides there right now. 

“I want to maintain my focus on keeping my head down and not letting these offers slow me down.” 

The Bruins were the first program to extend an offer to Phillips, and it was a significant one to the family. 

“It was a long-term family dream offer for me,” said Phillips. “My mom graduated from there, and I love that school. We’ve always looked at them since I was younger and I’ve attended a couple of games before my recruitment. 

“Notre Dame would be just like them because they are a powerhouse and have great football and academics. My mom is really huge on academics. She’s a nurse practitioner and very into academics.” 

On the field, Phillips is an aggressive cornerback that isn’t afraid to bring the wood. 
“One of the keys to my game is being a great technician,” Phillips explained. “I’m always studying a lot of film, so I know what’s coming before the play. I have decent speed. I say decent because I’m not the fastest guy, but I’m very, very physical. 

“I’m the opposite of most cornerbacks, and I make plays on the ball. I’m a ball hawk.” 

As he gets deeper into his recruitment, Phillips already knows a few things he will be looking at on his visits. 

“I’m looking for a school to develop me as a player and a man,” stated Phillips. “I want a school that has morals. 

“On the football field, I want to be developed and hopefully be able to get to the NFL. I want a school to develop me in the best way to prepare me for that level. 

“I’m also looking for great coaches that teach the game.” 

Phillips has already visited Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA and USC this spring and he will be at Oregon on April 21st for the Ducks spring game. 

There are three schools Phillips would love an offer from, and he’s working hard to earn that opportunity. 

“Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame,” said Phillips. “A lot of my family is from Alabama. That type of gameplay reminds me of myself. They bring physical athletes and play smashmouth football.”