Interview: 2020 Ohio JUCO CB Lawuan “Ski” Axel Covers Hocking Spring Practices
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After ending a high school football career with Youngstown’s Fitch Falcons, Class of 2018 cornerback Lawuan “Ski” Axel matriculated to Hocking College earning his way onto the field as a true freshman. Playing in seven games with five starts, the 5-11, 175-pound, defender posted an estimated stat line of 40 stops with seven passes broken up and one forced fumble. The play on the field has attracted college scouts with four offers extended so far, and more interest sure to build once the 2019 season is in full swing.
In an RNG stylized interview, I sat down with Axel learning more about his play on the field in 2018, his offseason workouts, and early recruiting process.
Interview
Ski, from watching your spring Hudl reel, the coaches have you lining up all over the secondary. Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“I will mostly likely play at cornerback, nickelback, and some at strong safety.”
What are some of the coverages the defense runs?
“We run a lot of man coverage. My DB coach wants me in man, but we also run some Cover 2 and a little bit of Cover 3.”
Which game was your best game last season?
“I’d say my best game was against Haywood Crusaders. I had a lot of PBUs that game. We were in-sync as a defense in that game. The coaching plan was great – it was a great game.”
Which game was the most challenging and made you better for the adversity?
“Georgia Military. Coming in as a freshman and playing against some of the top players in the country on their roster, I knew I had to make plays. I went up against a Tennessee-Chattanooga commit that game. That game showed me I could play at a D-I level.”
Which areas of your game are the strong points as a defensive back?
“I provide really good coverage. I am great at staying on my man, my press – and my stick and run. I am good at playing the ball in the air.”
Going into the spring practices, what was important for you to work on and fine-tune?
“My areas I am working on are my man coverage and being a lock down corner. My coaches want me to be the leader for our lock down defense this season; that is what I am working on.”
Where do you see your game coming along with the work put in this offseason?
“Doing one-on-ones, I was getting coached up and I got better. I am seeing a difference in goal line one-on-ones and in my man coverage overall. I could see it all paying off.”
What is the fastest 40-yard dash you have put down?
“My fastest is a 4.59, but it has been a while since I ran one.”
Are you going to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I plan on going to camps at Houston Baptist, Kent State, Akron, Cincinnati, UT-Martin, and Murray State.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from Ualbany. Their running back coach, Coach (Damian) Mincey, has talked to me a lot. The DB coach at Houston Baptist, we talk a lot. He loves my film. They want me to camp with them. Same with some other coaches; they want me to camp with them. I have been told that I am the only corner they are recruiting from the JUCO. I have been told, if I keep my grades up, I can be that guy.”
Nice. How many offers do you have now?
“I have four D-II offers from Ashland, Lake Erie, Livingston, and Alderson Broaddus.”
Aside from the possible camps, do you have any upcoming visits you may take?
“Yes. I am planning on going to Tennessee State. Coach (Gary) Fisher, their defensive coordinator, wants me to visit after I finish my spring semester.”
When is your graduation date?
“I plan on graduating in December. I am taking summer classes to make it happen.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I have a 3.2.”
When you go to a four-year college what do you want to study in pursuit of a major?
“I want to be a dental hygienist.”
What are your goals for your sophomore year?
“My goals are to win a title, earn All-American honors, be listed as a top corner in the nation, and help my teammates get offers and achieve their goals. If I help my teammates, everything I want will happen.”
What can fans of Hocking football expect in 2019?
“Hocking will be put on the map after this season.”
Ski, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hocking College; Lawuan Axel