Interview: 2023 Centennial DE Lucas Conti is Ready to Dominate Like his Predecessors
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Corona’s Centennial High School has a rich history of producing top college football recruits, and that pedigree is only getting richer, especially in the trenches. The walls of previous Huskies are filled with standout skill players like running back Tre Watson (2014), JJ Taylor (2016), and Miles Reed (2017), receivers Javon McKinley (2016) and Gary Bryant (2020), and quarterback Tanner McKee. But another position is becoming the go-to spot for college coaches to recruit heavily, and that is at defensive end. Next atop the list of every college football recruiting board is Lucas Conti.
In the recent stretch of recruiting activity at defensive ends via Centennial, Jaylen Johnson (2014) may have gotten it going heading to Washington. But that pipeline truly started to develop with four-star 2019 standout Drake Jackson. Jackson parlayed his skills into a starting spot with USC as a true freshman. The next picking up the mantle and moving it forward was five-star Class of 2021 end Korey Foreman, the top-rated player in the nation; a USC signee.
Keeping in the Huskies tradition, Conti has all the physical tools and determination to be among his predecessors as one of the team’s all-time best. At 6-5, 260, he is already dominating the competition using his size, strength, and quickness. The scary part, he is layering technique on top of the physicality.
With interest coming in from USC, Arizona State, Kansas, Cal, and Oregon, Conti awaits the start of the 2020 California football season to cement his place among the Huskies before him.
*Click the link for the Nov. 2020 RNG video interview with Lucas Conti
Interview
Lucas, I got to see you in action back in November at the Opening Regional in LA. Working with the coaches at that camp, what were some of the things that you learned that you’ve incorporated into your workouts this winter?
There were a lot of things that I learned like generating power from my hips. It is really important with my position to use your hips, flipping around the guy and getting to the quarterback.
Which areas of your game have you been working on the most as a defensive end?
I have been working on how to dance around a little bit. I have gotten a lot faster working with Coach Dennis (Jackson). Now I am incorporating a lot of moves into my game. I am working on my spin moves and my hands have gotten a lot faster.
What have you been doing in the weight room to add more power to your game?
A lot of bench press, a lot of bench press, and shoulder work so I can do long arms. I am doing anything I can in the weight room that will support any part of my game.
Have you maxed out on bench this offseason?
I maxed out a while ago on bench. Then it was 315. I think I’d be at 330 now.
Are you playing padded 11v11 club ball this winter?
Yes. I am playing with PTP, Prime Time Polynesian. Coach Dennis is coaching on PTP. I will also be playing with them again in march.
How did the club ball season go?
It went great. All this work is showing in my game. I have come out with some great film. I am really happy with where I am at now, but I still want to improve more.
What are you doing well against the high school level competition?
My pass rush. I have long arms, and have learned how to utilize them in club ball. I am utilizing my size a lot now.
What has been the practice schedule for the Huskies since the New Year?
We workout four times a week, we do two days a week on the field. On our field work days, we are going over the plays and getting the new guys ready. The coaches are doing an awesome job.
When the season gets going, what are you ready to showcase to the fans and college coaches of your talents and skills?
I want to show that I can be the No. 1 defensive end in the 2023 class. I believe with my size, speed, agility, and strength that I can do it. When the season gets going, I want to strike fear in my opponents. I have very high expectations following Drake and Korey.
Lucas, it is always great getting to talk to you. Wishing you and PTP the best of luck in club ball this spring.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Conti family; Lucas Conti