Interview: 4-Star 2020 Oregon CB Max Lenzy Covers 10-Interception Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If anyone is curious as to how Class of 2020 cornerback Max Lenzy earned his four-star recruiting ranking, a great jumping off point would be his 10 interceptions during his junior season. The 5-10, 170-pound, play-maker turned half of the Tigard High School’s defense into an island where few dared to venture, and when they did, they paid for it. The rising Portland area talent also showed his overall athleticism taking snaps on offense coming up with 393 yards on 19 receptions with three scores and rushed 13 times for 125 yards with another trip into the end zone.
With recruiting interest nationwide picking up for Lenzy, we sat down to cover his amazing 2018 campaign and the programs responding to his play on the field.
Interview
Max, Tigard was one of the top teams in the state of Oregon during the 2018 season. What were some of the things you guys did well as a team to do so well?
“Our team bonding was great. When it came game time, we executed and stuck to our game plan trusting our coaches.”
You had a fantastic personal season taking away 10 passes. Was there a point in the season when you were surprised quarterbacks kept trying you?
“Not necessarily. Some of the picks were me making a good play. I got thrown to about the amount I expected, I was getting between one to four passes a game thrown my way.”
What was your preparation like for a given game going over the opposition’s offense?
“Through the week I was looking at matchups to know their offense. Our coaches are great at helping out to get ready for the Friday nights.”
Which game last season was your best overall?
“I would say the quarter final game against Jesuit or the West Linn game. In both games I had three interceptions. I did more on offense in the Jesuit game.”
Was there a receiver-quarterback combo that challenged you last year?
“I wouldn’t say that there was a really hard challenge, but our last game against Jesuit, they were a good combo.”
How did that challenge make you better?
“I learned I needed to trust my instincts and my knowledge of what was going to happen from going over the game plan. I learned to have more confidence in myself.”
Speed is a big part of your game, how fast are you?
“I haven’t run a 40-yard dash yet. I don’t know.”
We’ll just say your speed is fast. You also got time in on offense at receiver as you just mentioned, is it fun for you to flip the switch on teams as receiver?
“Yes. I really like offense, hopefully I will get more time on offense this season. When I was younger I was an offensive player. I became a defensive player as a sophomore.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this offseason?
“Specifically for me, my off coverage, playing inside and outside, my back pedal, and a hard break on routes. You can always keep getting better.”
Do you plan on competing at any national camps and/or combines?
“Yes. I might be going to one of the Nike Openings and I might do the Three-Stripe camp if basketball or lacrosse allows the time.”
Which college programs are responding to the season you had on the field with interest?
“I am receiving interest from Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, Purdue, UNLV, and Idaho.”
Did you get a chance to take any visits during the 2018 season?
“Yes. I went to UCLA for a game, I went to Purdue for a game visit, and I took game visits to Oregon and Oregon State.”
How did the UCLA visit go?
“It was great. I love LA. LA is a great city, and the UCLA is a great campus. Everything about it is great.”
And the Oregon visit, how did that go?
“It was good. I got to see a good Oregon game. It is always good to see the Ducks. They have a great atmosphere there.”
What about Oregon State, how did that visit go?
“That was good. Oregon State has a great atmosphere there as well. I love talking to their coaches. It is great going down there.”
Let’s end the interview on some fun football questions. What is the funniest thing an opposing player said to you last year in the middle of a game?
“No one has really said anything that has caught me off guard.”
Are you a talker on the field?
“No. I do talk but only if someone is talking to me, I do not initiate the trash talking.”
Max, it was great getting time in with your today. I appreciate it and wish you luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Lenzy family; Max Lenzy at EWU