Interview: 3-Star 2021 California WR Legend Waring Preparing for Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season ended with Legend Waring making a big impact in limited space for Culver City High School, leading to big expectations this season. A year ago, the Centaurs romped on California teams posting a 12-1 record on the way to the semifinal round in the playoffs. With two elite seniors carving their niche, Tanner Duve (56 rec./1002 yards/13 TDs) and Chris Miller (80/1490/23), a trio of juniors were making their mark with Legend Waring being in the mix. Waring proved to be that inside receiver defensive backs cannot give an inch to breaking 13 receptions for 332 yards with four scores. The 6-0, 180-pound, target is not just fast with an elite gear, but he can break ankles in a heartbeat.
With five offers on the table and an opportunity for an amazing breakout senior season, Waring catches us up on how he is preparing for the 2020 high school football season.
Interview
Legend, it was fun watching you turn on the afterburners last season leaving defensive backs in your dust. How fast are you?
I’ve never run a timed 40. Guessing I am around a 4.4. I have run track. During my sophomore year, I ran a 50.2 in the 400. I always use my speed to my advantage.
Which events in track do you compete in?
The 400 and sometimes the 200, 100 and relays.
Back to football. One of the routes the OC loved calling for you was the screen, inside or outside. What were some of the other routes you were running during your junior year?
I ran a lot of go-routes and a lot of short stuff to get me in open space. I excel in open space making moves to get past the defense.
Your field vision was a big part of your game helping you deliver explosive plays. When the 2019 season had ended what did you feel were some of the other strengths as an inside receiver?
I love studying film and being able to recognize coverages and tendencies; that has been big for me. My hands have been a large part of my game; no body catches and up field as quickly as possible.
Throughout the spring and summer months, what have you been working on with your game as a receiver?
I have been working a lot on explosiveness the last couple months, getting out of my breaks faster and getting faster overall.
What kind of workouts have you been doing to add more speed and agility to your game?
A lot of beach workouts, hill workouts, and change of direction drills. I have worked on powering through my first couple of steps. I’ve been doing 500 push ups and sit-ups along with 1,000 jump ropes everyday to work on my foot quickness.
Impressive. Once the 2020 season gets going, what roles are you taking on this year?
I will be at outside and inside receiver, on defense at cornerback, and returning punts and kicks.
Nice. What style of offense are the Centaurs running in 2020?
We will run the Spread, throwing to set up the run as much as we can.
Some big targets on the squad, namely Chris Miller and Tanner Duve, have graduated. With both of them going over 1,000 yards last season, how will you take over the lost production?
Chris and Tanner gave us the keys. Makai Cope, Emari Pait, and I will keep it going. We’ve been working with our quarterback, Zevi Eckhaus, on making sure we have our chemistry down for season. Once the season begins, we want to be running 100 miles per hour off the bat.
Which areas of your game can you tell have improved already over where you left off in 2019?
I am a lot better with my route running. This offseason I have been working with a trainer making sure I am getting my releases correct and being focused on precise routes instead of loose routes. This season, I am not just using my speed to get open but focused on being a more precise route runner.
What is the practice schedule for the Centaurs going forward?
Right now, we can’t practice together. We are waiting for our district to clear us and let us know when we can start practicing again. Hopefully by Oct. 19 we can start conditioning as a team again.
How has the big success a year ago helped motivate the team during the extended offseason?
That loss in the semis hurt us. We felt like that was our year. For us seniors, we are trying to win state. We feel we have the opportunity to do it this season.
Let’s close talking about recruiting. Which programs are showing interest in you but have yet to offer?
Fresno State, Cal Poly, San Diego, and UCLA have been showing interest. It is a numbers game with these schools, but they’ve been in communication with me a lot.
How many offers have been dropped?
I have five total offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Brown, Morehouse, and Azusa Pacific (APU).
Waring’s Offer Sheet: Azusa Pacific, Brown, Dartmouth, Morehouse, and Pennsylvania
Over the summer months, did you take any virtual visits?
Yes, sir. I took virtual visits with Dartmouth, UPenn, Brown, and APU.
When campus visits are allowed again, are there any programs you’d like to see in-person?
I plan on visiting all the Ivy League schools when I am able to. I have been talking to my parents about where I will visit when we can do it, but nothing is set in stone yet.
Legend, I enjoyed our time covering ground on football and recruiting. Wishing you continued success this offseason preparing for your big senior run.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Waring family; Legend Waring