As the Miami Hurricanes continue to try to make a push into Deerfield Beach High, some of their attention has begun to move to the Bucks’ future classes. Running backs coach Eric Hickson watched multiple spring practices at Deerfield and came away impressed with 2021 3-star DB Phillip O’Brien, with Hickson extending an offer to the rising junior by the end of the spring.
“It was amazing getting offered from a great school in South Florida, the crib,” O’Brien said. “After many days of coach Hickson recording me during practice, my coach finally told me he offered me.”
The UM staff currently sees O’Brien as a corner. For his part, O’Brien feels that Miami is a school that he could potentially see himself at.
“I’m highly interested in Miami, I’ve been trying to schedule a visit this month,” O’Brien said. “They produce great DB’s, the academic part is huge, and it was always fun watching them on Saturday nights.”
While he won’t be able to make Paradise Camp next week because of a vacation, the 6-3 170 pound defensive back is coming off a visit to Florida State this past weekend, and is in the process of lining up other trips as well.
“I’m trying to set up many more like Florida too, and I’m having a college tour with my school soon so it’s going be a lot,” O’Brien said.
With his profile expanding this spring, O’Brien lists schools such as Florida State, Florida, Michigan, Georgia, Miami, and Kentucky as the programs he’s been in touch with the most recently.
“I feel like I’m the best DB in 2021,” O’Brien said. “It’s not just my skills, but I study the game and I’m coachable. Like today, I just got done running the hills, I’m trying to improve my speed and hips.”
Playing at Deerfield Beach gives O’Brien to opportunity to play with a ton of D-I talent. Of course, the Hurricanes just landed a commitment from 2020 ATH Xavier Restrepo and have been on 2020 RB Jaylan Knighton hard, and O’Brien took the time to give some thoughts on his current teammates.
“The next Berrios!” O’Brien said of Restrepo. “Every time he comes back from a Miami visit, I’m making sure he gets me some gear. He’s going to contribute a lot to the program. I always tell him, ‘You’re white in a black man’s body’. His grind never stops; he’s a real dog. He’s versatile too.”
On Knighton: “I’m not sure about where Jaylan will go, but he’s going to be another great one.”
As for his own recruitment, O’Brien is planning on making a decision at the end of his junior season.
“I’m looking for a school with great coaches and a great environment,” O’Brien said. “I like when everyone feels like family and I’m trying to get the most out of my education.”
O’Brien recently recorded a 4.50 second shuttle time and a 29.50 inch vertical at the Opening Miami Regional.
