Ariel Lynn Guidry
November 11, 2008
Southern Smith
November 13, 2008
Walk anywhere on South Terrebonne’s campus and mention the name Phil Livas, and immediately everyone will recognize the record-breaker’s name.
That’s because from 2003-06 Livas left his everlasting imprint in The Swamp. He rushed for 4,197 yards on his way to becoming the Gators all-time leading rusher. He led the Gators to an undefeated 10-0 record in 2006 and a home playoff game in his senior season.
Following that season, Livas signed to play college football at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston.
During his true freshman season last season, he hauled in 28 passes for 504 yards and three touchdowns and also carried the ball 10 times for 72 yards.
Through eight games so far this season, the Houma native has caught 28 passes for 423 yards and has carried the ball 15 times for 234 yards and one touchdown. He was named Western Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week two weeks ago after compiling 94 punt return yards, which included an 81-yard scoring return and a total of 88 kickoff return yards.
SportsNet caught up with the sophomore to discuss his life as a college football player.
SportsNet: So Phil, how are things going now that you are in your second year of college football?
Phil Livas: Things are going great right now. The game is a lot slower now that I’ve caught up to the speed of college football. I know the offense much better and feel like I am a better contributor.
SN: What was it like to earn Player of the Week honors?
PL: It’s an honor. Every time I go out there, I try to make plays. I was able to do that and I received the honor.
SN: How have you handled being 285 miles away from home?
PL: I’ve wanted to go home and see my family as often as I can but it’s part of playing football.
SN: How often does your family make the trip to watch you play?
PL: I am very blessed that they are able to come to every home game. We get to see each other after the game, so it’s always good knowing they make the trip even though it’s a long drive.
SN: You played under great coaches at South Terrebonne. What do you bring from coach Richard Curlin to Louisiana Tech?
PL: He taught me how to be a leader on the field and make plays when it counted. He was a great coach, and I learned a lot.
SN: What have you learned from your new coach Derek Dooley?
PL: He helped me adjust to the speed of the game and taught me how to keep my focus.
SN: How big was the win against Mississippi State on national television?
PL: That was a real important game for us. It gave us a chance to show people exactly what we are all about.
SN: Do you have any pre-game rituals that you must do before every game?
PL: I always call my family before every game and talk to them. It gets my mind focused. Then I’ll sit down and watch other games on TV to see mistakes other teams make so I don’t make those same mistakes.
SN: What artist are you listening to most on your iPod these days?
PL: Definitely Young Jeezy. It gets the adrenaline going.
SN: When you’re not doing anything football- or school-related, what else are you doing?
PL: Usually I’m just hanging out with my boys, joking around and having a good time.
SN: What do you hope to accomplish before your football career is complete?
PL: I just want to be successful and leave my mark here at Louisiana Tech. Hopefully, we’re winning games while I’m doing that.
SN: So, have you thought about your plans after football?
PL: I’m not sure yet. I definitely want to be involved in something sports-related. I’m not really thinking about that yet. I just want to worry about now and helping my team win games.
Louisiana Tech’s Phil Livas, a former standout at South Terrebonne, has emerged as an offensive powerhouse. * Photo courtesy of Louisiana Tech University
