Breaking Interview: 2018 Florida 5-Star RB Lorenzo Lingard Shares Top 5

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Size, speed, elusiveness, and the willingness to run through a defensive wall for a first down, all attributes of five-star 2018 running back Lorenzo Lingard that has college coaches dreaming.

This list of superlatives can continue for days when describing University High School’s running back but suffice to say, when Lingard has the rock in his hands it seems like there is nothing that can stop him. His listed 40-yard dash speed is 4.45 but his game speed seems to hit another gear often referred to as elite speed. With a full head of steam behind the Florida native, even with an angle defenders have a tough time catching up or slowing him down.

If there is a drawback to any part of Lingard’s game it comes from one of his strengths, his running style. Lingard is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with a safety, linebacker, or lineman lowering head and shoulder for extra yardage. That same mentality which helps define his greatness has also cost him a couple of games over the past two seasons. His freshman season was limited to four games rushing for 656 yards off 51 totes with eight scores. His 12.9 yard per carry average against 8A competition showed signs of what was to come. His sophomore season was a slight repeat of his 2014 season netting around 652 yards on the ground in four games with six touchdowns.

Now the 247Sports five-star running back is fully healthy and ready to show why he is rated as the No. 2 running back in the 2018 class. The Titans are off to a 3-1 start with the 6-1, 193 pounder, already hitting the 650 yard rushing mark with 10 touchdowns on the ground and one receiving. More all-purpose yards would help fill out the stat sheet but Florida coaches are not dumb. The Titans can line him up on any of the return teams but the opposition wisely kicks the other way.

College coaches have seen enough reel on Lingard to be impressed. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl invitee has 26 reported offers on the table with teams like Clemson, Georgia, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, Iowa, Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Pitt all clamoring for a shot to get his signature on National Signing Day.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Lingard getting an overview on his junior season thus far and some breaking news on his recruitment.

Interview

Lorenzo, when you get the ball in your hands, what makes you such a dangerous back?

“I’d say running behind my blocks and having great balance.”

You have a determined running style, what is your mentality when you carry the ball?

“If I get even the slightest hole I run through it with all my power and then I run like a wild man.” (laughs)

I would agree with that. I understand everyone wants to win a championship, so beyond that, what goals did you set for yourself entering the 2016 season?

“Entering the season I did not want to have any fumbles but I’ve already messed that goal up. I had two fumbles in our first couple of games. I have worked on my ball security skills to get that taken care of. I wanted 14 touchdowns, I’m about to top that soon. My next goal was to lead the county in rushing yards. I think I am doing that too. The Orlando Sentential said I was leading central Florida in rushing.”

If you had to grade yourself on your individual performance this season, what grade would you give yourself?

“Performance wise, a B+. I have not had that game where I was fully energized and took the entire game over. In our upcoming game against Lake Brantley, I will be more physical and lively with the ball in my hands.”

What all did you work on this summer to prepare for the season?

“My footwork mainly. Being a running back since I was 9-years-old, I did not think footwork was as important. Now I realize it is super important.”

Did you max out in the weight room over the summer?

“They had me do bench but I missed the day for legs because of track. My bench was 295 and my power clean was 245.”

Nice. Did you run a 40-yard dash this off-season?

“I did. I ran a 4.45 at a Florida State camp.”

Looks like you have around 26 offers, is that accurate?

“Yes, sir. I could get more this spring.”

Are there any schools pushing a little bit harder than the others trying to forge that bond with you?

“Yes, sir. I’d say a couple schools are like Florida, they are trying hard. Miami, Auburn, and Pitt – they are trying hard. Louisville just jumped on board. I got a handwritten letter from Ole Miss and Michigan this past weekend.”

Over the last few months, there has been a lot of rumors or information put out there that FSU was your leader and then Auburn and Miami as well. Where are you with your top schools? Do you have a leader?

“My top schools, in no order, are Florida, Alabama, Miami, Auburn, and Ohio State.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“FSU, Gators (Florida), Miami, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, and Ohio State.”

Do you have any visits coming up?

“I think I am going to South Florida for the FSU game this weekend.”

Are there any other college games this weekend you are excited to watch?

“Florida verses Tennessee.”

Last question, back to your team. You guys are off to a 3-1 start, do you think you guys are coming together for a deep playoff run this year?

“Oh yeah, of course. We had a downfall on Friday, our first loss of the season (35-21 to Seminole). We worked hard in practice today to fix all of that stuff that we did wrong last week. From my view, I think we have a great shot going deep into the playoffs this year.”

Any last thoughts?

“I want to give a shout out to my team with a #RoadWarriors.”

Lorenzo, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of our season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: orlandosentinel.com; Lorenzo Lingard, a five-star recruit.

Photo credit: canesinsight.com; No. 27 Lorenzo Lingard rushes past the defense.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 27 Lorenzo Lingard in action.