Interview: 2019 Florida DB Theodore “LT” Lucas is Setting Up for a Big Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a reason why movies like Rocky and Rudy resonate with audiences, take something away from an athlete or tell him he cannot accomplish a goal and watch him overcome the odds with heart, raw talent, and determination. There is a similar feel coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2018 with Theodore “LT” Lucas. The Class of 2019 corner/safety missed much of his junior season due to an injury, but is battling back to surpass his skillset and talents from when he was on the sidelines in 2017.
Just being on the Raiders practice field gives a leg up for their players on most of their national peer group. St. Thomas Aquinas is consistently not only one of the top programs in Florida’s 7A classification, but in the nation. The Raiders turn out some of the best talent in the nation to the collegiate ranks and Lucas is set on keeping the tradition going. With an offer from Columbia on the table, the 6-0, 190-pound, defensive back is drawing national recruiting interest from Ivy League programs extending to Mississippi State, Louisville, Michigan State, UNLV, and Temple, just to name a few.
With all eyes on Lucas to see how well he performs during his senior year, I sat down for a RNG exclusive interview covering his offseason workouts and growing recruiting prospects ahead of his big season.
Interview
LT, how did your spring practices go?
“Our spring practices went great. I was able to go out there and perform at a high level. It was great to be back on the field. It was a great feeling. I got better every day. I had a lot of coaches coming out to watch; it was great.”
From the looks of your spring reel you are locked in at corner, are you going to play any other positions during your senior year?
“Yes. Corner and safety.”
What has the battle at corner this spring been like for you?
“It was a good competition between us all. We have a lot of talent on our team. That competition made me better. Throughout the spring, they were evaluating everyone. We’ll see where they place us. Our coaches will always test us to get the best out of us.”
What has been the biggest differences in your game from the end of your junior season to now?
“Last year, because of an injury, I could not move the way I wanted to move. I could not do what I wanted. I can break faster now. I’m in my back pedal faster – I am fully into everything now. I feel like all my athleticism is back and I am improving my athleticism as we go on.”
What have you been working on with your technique this spring?
“I have been working on keeping my inside leverage and staying close to the line – pressing. Coach Madison focuses on that. I work on that every day, and will continue to work on that.”
As a defensive back, what do you consider the strengths of your overall game?
“I believe I am a strong corner. If I get my hands on you, you are not going any further. I will kill the play right there for the receiver.”
I would agree with that. I saw that on your spring reel. With all the competition from spring practices, are you ready to take on a new challenge with college camps?
“Yes. I plan to go to a couple in the month of June and July. I am trying to get to Virginia, North Carolina, and Kansas State. I’m not sure about the rest yet.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“Temple, Fordham, all the Ivy League schools, Louisville, Michigan State, Oregon, Rhode Island, UNLV, and NIU.”
You mentioned a lot of coaches came by this spring to watch you practice, which programs were on the Raiders’ sidelines?
“Temple, Louisville, Oregon, Michigan State, Rhode Island, Dartmouth, Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, Holy Cross, Fordham, Coalgate, NIU, UNLV, and Virginia.”
Which school has offered you?
“Columbia.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this offseason?
“I went to Mississippi State for a Junior Day.”
How did the MSU visit go?
“It was a good visit. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed meeting with everyone and being in the film room with the safeties coach breaking down film. That was a great first experience for a visit.”
What was your GPA last semester?
“I had a 4.1 GPA last semester.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?
“Yes, sir. I took the ACT scoring a 22.”
Great. Back to football. The Raiders are always one of the toughest teams in Florida 7A, what can the fans expect from St. Thomas Aquinas in 2018?
“State champions and an undefeated season – we will be state champions this year.”
What personal goals have you set for yourself for your senior season?
“I’ve missed a lot of football – I want to have fun on every play and leave it all on the field. I want to use what God has given me and put my talent on full display. Anyone that has doubted me, I am ready to prove them wrong.”
LT, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming college camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Lucas family; LT Lucas at Mississippi State