Interview: 2020 Orange Lutheran DT Cody Lopez Covers Football Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
No matter the level, the game of football is all about proving one’s self against the best of the best. This especially holds true in the high school ranks for those looking to catch the eye of college coaches. After a standout junior season with Pacifica High School, where he tallied 70 stops, nine tackles for a loss, and three sacks, Class of 2020 defensive tackle Cody Lopez (6-2, 278) made the move to Orange Lutheran. With the Lancers, Lopez has the opportunity each week to play not only against top California high school talent, but against top nationally ranked teams filled with five-, four-, and three-star players. The Lancers are off to a 4-3 record with their new defensive tackle making an impact eating up linemen for the linebackers while ending 13 plays, 10 solo, with three tackles for a loss, and two quarterback pressures.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Lopez (3.4 GPA/22 ACT) gives insight to his senior season and the challenges of playing against Trinity league talent.
Interview
Cody, going into your senior season you knew there was a big challenge ahead going against Trinity League competition. What did you focus on as a defensive tackle to prepare for what was coming?
“I focused on my speed, I worked on my hands, and my positioning off the ball. Getting off the ball is the first step in the process to get into the backfield to make plays. And, I did a lot lifting.”
What are some of your maxes in the weight room?
“My squat is 415 and my deadlift is 425.”
It looks like the Lancers’ front changes on the team you guys are playing from a 4-3 to a 3-4. What schemes are you guys running and where are you lining up within?
“Correct. Depending on who we are facing we are in a 4-3 or 3-4. In a 3-4, I line up at tackle. I do play some at nose guard but it depends on the team. In the 3-4, I am putting pressure on the pocket or against the run containing the gaps. In a four-man front, I am in the interior at tackle or nose guard. I like lining up over the guard shooting the A or B gap.”
Going against all the top teams, three of them ranked nationally in the Top 25 in the preseason, how have you seen your skillset grow this year?
“This year, I have seen a lot of growth with my speed, my get off, and the use of my hands. I have improved on my hand-placement and flipping my hips. The little things I have worked on are showing improvement this season.”
Which game has been your best?
“Our first game against San Juan Hills and our game against Centennial were both good games for me. I was stoked to be back on the field for the San Juan Hills game and for Centennial, I was ready for that one. I went all out.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game now?
“Rushing is a big part of my game and my ability to go left and right, not just forward.”
Is there an area of your game you are constantly working on in practice?
“In practice I am always working on my strikes. I take pleasure in my punch. The opener has to be strong going against offensive linemen.”
Are there any parts of your game that might get overlooked?
“Driving the lane and closing pockets might get overlooked for me. Getting past linemen and rushing the quarterback along with my pressure might get overlooked.”
Which college programs are showing interest?
“Princeton, San Jose State, and San Diego State are showing interest.”
From the offseason to now, have you taken any visits?
“Yes. I went to Princeton and APU (Azusa Pacific).”
Tell me about the Princeton visit.
“It was great. I can’t complain. Princeton is a beautiful school – a great school, and the atmosphere was great there. I had no complaints on that visit.”
And the APU visit?
“It was good. APSU is a nice school. I enjoyed the visit.”
Back to football. You guys got a really big win (28-14) against Santa Margarita last week. How did the game go for you?
“It went well. I played my hardest and gave it may all. I can’t complain.”
The team just played the No. 1 team in the nation two weeks ago (Mater Dei) and now get the No. 3 team in St. John Bosco. What kind of game are you expecting against all the highly ranked offensive linemen?
“I think I will do well against them. We’ll see. I am always up for the challenge.”
Cody, it was great catching up with you today. I wish you and your teammates success the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Lopez family; Cody Lopez