Monterey Wildcat football player Elijah Phillips said he looks forward to new challenges protecting the quarterback this season.
Phillips said Monterey has changed its style on offense. The Wildcats will go with a spread formation, one that Phillips and his teammates have known since his seventh grade year. Phillips said his Wildcat teammates understood the new offensive system quicker as a result.
“I feel like we’re much faster than we’ve been in previous years and we have more athletes and our line moves a whole lot better for pass [protection,]” Phillips said. “It also helps when everyone knows what they’re doing and for the most part, everyone knows what they’re doing.”
Phillips will spend his senior year playing offensive line for the Wildcats. Phillips said he has seen a lot of growth throughout his time at Monterey. Phillips said when he grows, the team grows with him.
“When you’re developing, you’re developing your team with you,” Phillips said. “So it’s not just a solo development, it’s a team development, not really focused on self aspect.”
Phillips said being a senior is just a title for him. Phillips and the Wildcats open the season August 22nd against Cannon County.
“You’re still a part of one big team,” Phillips said. “And ultimately, what age you are doesn’t really matter as long as you’re developing throughout every year.”
Phillips said he has improved in every facet of his game during off-season workouts. Phillips set personal highs on bench press last season.