On April 27, 2016, Redlands East Valley’s Jaelan Phillips had no idea he was going to make history.
Like the thousands of football recruits and college football fans across the country, Phillips, a 6-foot-5 junior, was interested in viewing the new ESPN rankings for the 2017 class and his new standing.
Scrolling through the list, Phillips could not find his name. That’s because he was all the way at the top, newly minted as the No. 3-ranked football player in the United States.
“Nothing like this has ever happened around here,” said REV head football coach Kurt Bruich.
With his No. 3 ranking, Phillips becomes the highest rated football in Redlands history.
Phillips had no idea he’d be ranked so highly, but had some suspicion earlier in the day when he was listed in a poll asking who should be the No. 1-rated player.
“I try not to let that ranking get to my head. That’s not what I focus on,” says Phillips. “It’s on honor to say that coming out of this area. It’s just a blessing. I’m just staying humble.”
Timeline
Fall 2013
Phillips has grown out of his running back days in youth football, standing 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds. Calls his freshman season a transition year of getting used to high school football. Plays wide receiver and safety.
Summer 2014
The rising sophomore undergoes a significant growth spurt after his freshman season. Grows to 6-foot-4 over a three-month period.
Fall 2014
Phillips is playing on the junior varsity, but is also getting snaps with the varsity team. Says he’s still “uncomfortable” and “nervous” in varsity games. Not playing at full speed.
Dec. 20, 2014
Redlands East Valley plays in the CIF Division 2 state championship game at StubHub Center. Phillips has his best varsity outing of the season, racking up 13 total tackles (six solo), recovers a fumble and blocks the crucial extra point in a 34-33 REV win. Calls this his “breakout moment.”
Fall 2015
Phillips is pegged to have a breakout junior season, rated as a three-star recruit with plenty of Division I interest. Earns his first offer from Washington, followed by Colorado by the second week of the season. But after a 14-tackle performance in Week 3, Phillips is offered by USC and soon after by UCLA, his “dream school.” Finishes season with 76 tackles, 10.5 sacks, two interceptions and 20-plus offers.
Spring 2016
Phillips rises up the rankings as a hybrid OLB/DE prospect, shining at the The Opening Regional camp in Los Angeles and Rivals Five-Star Challenge. Invited to the finals in the summer for both events. ESPN’s new rankings place Phillips No. 3 in the country soon after.
Quotes
“I was surprised. It was like a moment of looking at the new rankings and going through the Top 50. When I saw it I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It’s a blessing. So crazy to see that and see all the hard work pay off.”
—Jaelan Phillips
“I had no clue. It’s flattering and it’s a big target. People are going to want to go heads up with the No. 3 guy in the country. But at REV we are used to targets. I think he will handle it well. I’m just proud of everything he has done as far as taking care of his grades, and how he acts around coaches is awesome.”
—Kurt Bruich, REV head football coach
“After having coached him and known him for some time, it’s not a surprise because not only does it say a lot about his talent but a lot about his character. Academically he’s a monster in the classroom. He works hard, he’s respectful and he’s just a well rounded guy … I would imagine to get a ranking like that you need to be a well-rounded student athlete, and he’s the epitome of that.
—James Cordes, REV head baseball coach
Former No. 3 overall recruits*
2017 – Jaelan Phillips – UCLA – OLB – 6-5, 235 (93) – Redlands East Valley (CA)
Sophomore hero in 2015 CIF Division 2 state championship win for Wildcats. Invited to U.S. All-American Army Bowl in 2017.
2016 – Nick Bosa – Ohio State – DE – 6-3, 250 (93) – St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)
Younger brother of former Ohio State star Joey Bosa who was recently selected No. 3 overall by San Diego Chargers in 2016 NFL Draft.
2015 – Trenton Thompson – DT – Georgia – 6-4, 311 (93) – Westover (Ga.)
Played in eight games as a true freshman, recorded .5 sack and 25 tackles.
2014 – Cam Robinson – OT – Alabama – 6-5, 330 (95) – West Monroe (La.)
Freshman All-American in 2014, started 14 games. Won national championship in 2016. Projected to be a high NFL Draft pick.
2013 – Vernon Hargreaves III – CB – Florida – 5-11, 185 (91) – Wharton High (FL)
Two-time All-American (2014, 2015) and All-SEC cornerback. Selected No. 11 by Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016 NFL Draft.
2012 – Dorial Green-Beckham – WR – Missouri – 6-6, 220 (86) – Hillcrest High (Mo.)
After promising start, suspended from team. Transferred to Oklahoma. Selected No. 40 by Tennessee Titans.
2011 – Cyrus Kouandjio – Alabama – OT – 6-7, 325 (87) – DeMatha (Md.)
Started every game as a sophomore and won two national titles. First team All-SEC in 2013, consensus All-American. Drafted No. 44 by Buffalo Bills.
2010 – Dominique Easley – Florida – DT – 6-2, 260 (88) – Curtis High (N.Y.)
Drafted by New England Patriots No. 29 overall in 2014; won a Super Bowl in 2015. Earned starting role in 2015 but placed on injury reserve. Released and signed with the L.A. Rams.
2009 – Russell Shepard – LSU – ATH – 6-1, 183 (92) – Cypress Ridge (Texas)
Recruited at QB, switched to WR in sophomore season but only five starts as junior and senior. Undrafted, picked up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013 and became special team’s captain.
2008 – Will Hill – Florida – S – 6-3, 203 (94) – St. Peter’s Prep (N.J.)
Selected as freshman All-American; won a national championship in 2009. Went undrafted in 2011, signed by New York Giants in 2014, picked up by Baltimore Ravens in 2015. Currently unsigned.
2007 – Marc Tyler – USC – RB – 6-1, 210 (90) – Oaks Christian
Injuries and off-field incidents kept him from reaching potential. Undrafted in 2012, signed by Green Bay Packers and made practice squad. Unsigned.
2006 – Vidal Hazelton – USC – WR – 6-2, 195 (93)** – Hargrave Prep (Va.)
Injuries held him back after early success in 2007, transferred to Cincinnati to be closer to family. Undrafted in 2011, caught on as practice squad player for three NFL teams. Currently in Canadian Football League.
*Based of ESPN rankings
** ESPN grade
