Interview: 2019 Mater Dei 4.5-Star LS Aidan Livingston Prepping to Push Talents to 5-Star Status

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In college football’s recruiting universe, Aidan Livingston is the new guy on the scene making a lot of noise in all the right ways. After playing along the offensive line during his youth football and junior high days, his love for the game outgrew his size for the position. Seeking a way to continue to play the sport he loves, Livingston spent his sophomore season training as a long snapper working until he was consistent and with speed on every snap. During his junior season, he took over the duties of long snapping for eventual national champs Mater Dei paving a way towards success at the collegiate level.

Amazing what one year can do for a person with the right work ethic and determination. Livingston (6-0, 225) has transformed himself into one of the nation’s best long snappers earning a 4.5-star rating from special teams guru Chris Rubio. His Top 30 ranking in the 2019 recruiting class has been supplemented with a Semper Fidelis All-American Award for his perfect snaps throughout the 2017 season, his 3.9 cumulative GPA, and charitable work done in the community. Doing all the right things on and off the field has attracted next level interest from top programs like Indiana, Georgia, Boise State, and Colorado.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the nation’s best long snappers to learn more about his skillset and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Aidan, when did you start long snapping?

“My freshman year we moved from New Hampshire to California. I wanted to continue playing football, I was playing center before then, but Coach (Bruce) Rollinson (Mater Dei head coach) said you’ll never see the field on the team as an offensive lineman due to my size. So, I trained my sophomore year, came out my junior year and won the job as the long snapper.”

What are some of the improvements you’ve made with your technique over the last year?

“I focused on my accuracy, hitting the same spot every time. I am working on snapping, blocking, and my downfield coverage. Every team wants the 11th guy to make an impact on the team. They need their long snapper downfield making plays.”

What are you focused on this offseason with your snapping?

“I am working on transforming my body. I am working on speed and strength. I’ve been working out like crazy.”

What is your 15-yard average snap speed?

“I was recently consistently clocked between .73-.70.”

At the Chris Rubio camps, they track accuracy of snap. How have you performed with your accuracy both in games and at Rubio camps?

“In games, I have been perfect every time. At the last Rubio camp, the LA regional, I had the highest RSI for accuracy, that tracks speed and accuracy, of all snappers.”

Where have you placed at some of Rubio’s camps?

“At the past two camps, I have made it to the finals – the Top 6.”

Another thing that is evaluated overall is a snapper’s athleticism. What is your 40-yard dash time?

“I am going to a combine in May that will track that. I haven’t run one this year yet.”

Do you feel you provide good coverage downfield after you snap?

“Yes. At Mater Dei, we do a pro-style coverage. When I do go downfield, I provide quality coverate. I am focused on a tackle or recovering a muffed punt.”

Do you have any camps upcoming?

“The summer and college camps I may go to are Colorado, Boise State, Indiana, and Washington State. There are a few more I’d like to attend, I want to see what all I can do this summer.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Colorado, Boise State, Indiana, and Georgia are showing interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“I’ve been to Indiana, UCLA on Sunday, and Colorado. During the football season I went on one in October to Boise State.”

How did the Indiana visit go?

“It was fantastic. I loved my time there. I have built a rapport with the coaches there. I have a good fit there.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“It was a good visit. I got to meet some of the coaches. It was great getting my foot in the door there.”

When do the Monarchs start spring ball?

“We start on May 2.”

What is your goal for this spring with the Monarchs?

“My goal is for us to build a better relationship as a team, prepare for next season, and defend our title.”

Aidan, thanks for your time today and good luck with spring ball and all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Livingston family; Aidan Livingston on the Mater Dei sidelines and at Indiana