Interview: 3-Star 2020 Alabama Talent Rodney Groce is the Modern All-Purpose Outside Linebacker
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When one thinks about the evolution of the modern day outside linebacker, Rodney Groce checks all the boxes. He is big, fast, fluid, can cover, and breaks the hammer at the point of contact. The Class of 2020 Pleasant Grove High School (AL) three-star rated recruit is on a fast track to four-star status with 11 offers already extended coming from Middle Tennessee State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Troy, Western Kentucky, Southern Miss, South Alabama, and Tulane. The list of offers should grow quickly for the 6-2, 215-pound, play-maker when the spring evaluation period comes with interest coming from Tennessee, Ole Miss, Memphis, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State among others.
In an in-depth one-one-one, I sat down with the four-sport star athlete covering his play on the field and his growing recruiting process.
Interview
Josh, it does not take long watching your game film to see your natural instincts for the game and your play recognition. Week to week, what was your preparation like for a given game?
“My preparation started knowing I had a lot to work on in the offseason going into my 11th grade year. I ran a lot and did a lot of working out to prepare for the season. During the playoffs, I watched a lot of film to help prepare for each game.”
Within the Spartans defense you truly did a little bit of everything. How do you breakdown your roles within the scheme?
“I am versatile between outside linebacker and end. I came into the season with the mindset to be a leader on defense. When I came in after transferring, the coaches were able to move people around. I came in with the mindset as a leader on the defense.”
Which game was your best during the 2018 season?
“To me, the first-round playoff game against Beauregard (Opelika) was the best.”
Why do you consider that game to be your best?
“It was my best because I realized the overall impact I could have for my team. At the end of the first down we were down two touchdowns. My coach and I came together for a different approach on defense and it worked. They were throwing over the top, so we started blitzing to get to QB. When we did that, we got a pick, I got a sack, and we started scoring. After that switch, we started scoring on every drive. That changed the game. My leadership in that game, and we won that game (42-21), made it my best game last season.”
What is the funniest thing an opposing player has said to you trying to throw you off your game or hoping you will go easy on them?
“In the Fairfield game, I was guarding their top receiver – he wasn’t doing anything with me on him but he told me I was overrated. That was funny to me. Usually I am serious in a game. When am on the field I listen to my coach and I block out everything. I block out the other team so they do not get into my head.”
How did your abilities improve last season overall?
“My cover skills got a lot better. I went to a lot of Mega camps over the summer and won a lot of one-on-ones. I had to guard fast and tall receivers, that helped me this season. I was expecting to keep the same defense from last year after transferring but the coaches switched it up. I blitzed more this year than last year, that was another area of improvement for me.”
What are the strengths to your game at this point of your career?
“I can play from one side of the field to another. I get off the ball quick. I am big and fast, and I can get off blocks. I can cover, that is the main thing. I can cover 4.4 and 4.5 receivers and stay with them.”
What will be the focus of your offseason workouts?
“My focus is on my footwork and getting bigger and stronger.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 11 offers.”
That’s fantastic. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Tennessee, I went to a camp there. I talked to their head coach and he has talked to my head coach. Memphis, Louisville, Nebraska, Virginia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State are also showing interest.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Yes. I plan on visiting Liberty sometime this spring or summer. They were my second offer. I am going to try to go to Tennessee, and I may go to Alabama and Florida.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Pleasant Grove?
“Yes, sir. I play football, basketball, indoor and outdoor track, and I am playing baseball this year.”
Wow. Your letterman’s jacket is going be nothing but patches. Which events in track will you perform?
“The long jump, triple and high jump, and the 4×1.”
In the past, how have you made out on the track?
“In all three jumps I have made it to section since my freshman year and made it to state twice.”
Which is your best event?
“My best long jump is 21.9 and my best triple jump is 44.9.”
Impressive. Rodney, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Groce family; Rodney Groce at Mississippi State – Oct. 2018 and at practice