Interview: 2021 Maryland WDE Lliam Horrocks Ready to Showcase Skills vs. Florida Offenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2020 high school football season gets going in Florida, there will be few taking the field as excited as Lliam Horrocks. The 6-3, 230-pound, Class of 2021 weakside defensive end/outside linebacker went to town on Maryland Mid-Atlantic squads a year ago coming up with 71 stops, 28 solo, and two tackles for a loss in St. James’ 10-game schedule. All those skills in the trenches are ready to be showcased with Cocoa High School this fall, and with college programs watching.
After moving to Florida about a month ago, Horrocks has been fast at work transforming his body ready for a full Florida season grind. To cover his workouts and role with the Tigers in 2020, Horrocks sat down for an RNG interview.
Interview
Lliam, during your junior season you were utilized in different ways within the team’s defensive scheme. You were on the end with a hand down and standing up at outside linebacker. What were the different defensive schemes you guys were doing a year ago and what were your roles within those schemes?
I was a Khalil Mack type last season. We ran a 4-4 and a 5-man front last season. In a 5-front, I would come down as a defensive lineman. In a 4-man front, I was at inside or outside linebacker. I went wherever the coaches told me to go. I played on offense as well, I played fullback. I was supposed to play tight end, but we never ran a tight end set.
Once the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on defense?
My pass rush ability, that definitely is something teams had to prepare for. The coaches on other teams talked to me about that, they were scheming against me because of my pass rushing abilities. Blitzing as a linebacker, that is my strong suit. I can work my hands well. A lot of that success comes from film prep, you have to know your linemen going against. I was well prepared last year and I will be even more prepared. With distance learning, I should have even more time this year to prepare. That should be even scarier for my opponents this season.
Going from Maryland to Florida, which school did you transfer to for the 2020 season?
Cocoa High School.
What style of defense will Cocoa run in 2020?
We run a 4-3-4, I will be all-time weakside end. The goal is to have me on the blindside of the quarterback and put me one-on-one with their tackle. The running back normally lines up on the strongside, I will be opposite of the running back. Most offensive tackles are not usually the fastest. It is like a LeBron James (Lakers) mismatch. Where the running back goes, I go the opposite way.
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with the technical parts to your game on defense?
With the physical part, I have been working on my strength a lot. I have been working with Coach Waller; he is a great coach. We have been doing squats, single-leg squats, explosion lifts, one-man sleds, and plyometrics. There is always something to work on with our explosion. We do not just work on that one day a week but we are always working on that.
Conditioning is another thing I have been working on this summer. I guarantee I will not be tired during our games. We run hills, sand hills, and do resistance on top of that. I have done a lot of position work and I have been watching a lot of film on players like Khalil Mack and JJ Watt and Mack. Going on YouTube, I am watching all the great ones and feel like I have watched every defensive end on YouTube at least five times. I am learning from better players then practicing those pass rush drills.
How has fall camp with the team gone so far?
I have been training with my Cocoa teammates. There is already a sense of community with the guys, I have that family feel with my teammates.
Working with a new group of guys, how have those training/practice sessions gone for you?
They’ve been great actually. I am seeing a lot of improvements. Shape wise, I have muscled up, reduced fat, and I have only been here for a month. I have improved my physique and I am faster. These guys are fast, I have to keep up with them and that is making me faster. I am seeing myself improve as one of the fastest guys on the defensive line. There is a lot of competition here, I like the environment. We are pushing each other to get better. You feel that you need to prove to your teammates that you are of their caliber. If you go 100 percent, so will they. They don’t want to look bad. All the time there is competition in practice.
When do the Tigers kickoff in Week 1?
Our first game is the 25th of September.
What goals have you set for your senior season in Florida?
My first goal is to bond with the team, we have been doing that. We have a state championship in mind. Obviously, I have D-I schools interested in me, I am ready to pick up that first D-I offer. A state championship is the ultimate goal, but my personal goal is to go D-I. I want to show those schools what I can do. I have put a lot of preparation into this season.
Let’s stay with that. Which schools are showing interest?
Long Island University and Toledo are showing the most interest. They are sending a lot of edits and keeping in touch. They are excited to see what I can do once the season starts.
Which school has offered you?
Ottawa University.
Have you taken any virtual visits?
Yes, I took one to LIU (Long Island).
How did the virtual visit with LIU go?
I liked it. They emphasized taking a football program on their history and building upon that. They went from D-II to D-I last year, they are looking for a breakout year in 2020. LIU has been historic in D-II, they are ready for the breakthrough at D-I and they want us to be the ones to change that.
Lliam, I appreciate your time today and wish you and your teammates success this season until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Horrocks family; Lliam Horrocks