Interview: 2020 Calabasas CB/ATH Lamont Narcisse is Fully Prepared for Breakthrough 2018 Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If a whole lot of athleticism mixed with experience and all the determination in the world counts for anything, the 2018 season for Lamont Narcisse will be a big breakout season. The 5-11, 170-pound, rising star at corner for Calabasas High School set the stage for an outstanding junior year after coming up with 22 tackles with 10-plus pass deflections in 2017. After an offseason of 7v7 ball with ProWay and learning under the Coyotes new coaching staff helmed by one of USC’s all-time greats, Chris Claiborne, Narcisse has picked up recruiting interest from seemingly every other Pac-12 program with the list ready to grow in anticipation of the 2018 campaign.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising corner learning more about his expanding role on the team in 2018, his recruiting prospects to date, and his goals for the upcoming season.

Interview

Lamont, you got a lot of snaps in last season in the secondary, how did your overall game improve during your sophomore year?

“I got stronger as the season went along. I kept working on my craft. My dad and I would go over my film to see what I needed to work on after each game. To start the season, I lacked knowledge on the field, but I improved on that.”

Which areas of your game do you feel improved the most in 2017?

“I got smarter and stronger. I learned how to read formations. I now know what receivers are doing.”

How have spring and summer practices with the Coyotes gone?

“They have gone really well. I really like the new coaches, they have taught us a lot. They have played in the NFL. Our coaches, they are all mentors. It will be a really good season this year.”

How is the team looking overall?

“We are looking good. We are solid. We have some transfers in making a difference. Everyone is getting bigger, faster, and smarter.”

Based on practices, where all will you play on the field during your junior year?

“I am playing receiver, corner, and nickel back. I am also taking back punts and kicks.”

With all the position you play, how do you see yourself on the field?

“I see myself as an athlete.”

What have you been working on as a defender this offseason?

“I have been working with Eric King, he’s one of our new coaches. We are working on my six yards off, reading the QB with a three-step drop, and when we come up for the tackle looking for a certain spot to hit. I’ve been doing a lot of pool workouts to stay lower; I was too high in my backpedal last season. I wasn’t as explosive either. I have worked hard on my turns and my hips this offseason.

“What’s also made me a great defender, and ready for anyone this season, is going against two of the best receivers in the country, my teammates Johnny Wilson and Mycah Pittman.”

I know it is still early in your process, but are you receiving any recruiting interest yet?

“Yes. I am receiving interest from Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, USC, Boston College, and Cal.”

Nice. Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I have been to UCLA and USC.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“It went really well. I saw the new weight room and practice field; that was nice. I saw their meeting room. My cousin Darnay Holmes (starting cornerback) has told me a lot about Chip Kelly (head coach) and the new staff.”

How about USC, how did that go?

“It was a really good visit. I have been there a couple of times. I talked to Coach (Clay) Helton (head coach). We had lunch and they showed us around. The second time we went as a team. When we went then, we watched practice and saw all the trophies and championships they have won.”

Do you have any planned visits you may take this summer or this fall?

“I want to go to Washington, Washington State, Stanford, Arizona, and Arizona State.”

How is everything going in the class room?

“My GPA is a 4.2.”

Nice. What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math. When I got to college, I want to study law.”

Are you competing in other varsity sports for Calabasas?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, 400, 4×1, 4×2, and 4×4.”

Wow. That is a lot of events. Of them all, which is your best event?

“The 100 and 200.”

What is your best 100 meters time?

“My best is an 11.07. I was the only sophomore to compete in the Ventura Championships for the 100.”

What about in the 200?

“My best in the 200 is a 22.6.”

What goals have you set for yourself for the 2018 season?

“The team goal, I want to go to state. I want one of those rings. My personal goals, I want to improve my game and get over six interceptions, 10 touchdowns, and 500 receiving yards.”

Nice. Is there a game on the schedule you are maybe a little more excited to play above the others?

“Week 1 against JSerra (Catholic).”

Are you doing anything fun away from football and workouts this summer before the season starts?

“No. I’m just preparing for the season with my dad. This will be my breakout season. I want everyone to know my name by the end of the season.”

Lamont, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Lamont Narcisse at Calabasas