Interview: 4-Star 2023 Tennessee TE/WR Ty Lockwood Updates Workouts and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When an offense properly integrates the tight end into the scheme, everything opens up on the field. As seen in the collegiate game with Florida Gators’ tight end Kyle Pitts during the 2020 season, utilizing the tight end improves the run game, receivers get a little more room to maneuver in the secondary, and quarterbacks get bigger windows to sling the pigskin. At Tennessee’s Independence High School, that key player making the entire offense better is Ty Lockwood.
Going down the stat line, Lockwood is a difference maker. Through the Eagles’ 10-game season last fall, the 6-5, 225-pound, target secured 43 passes for 606 yards with three trips into the end zone. But beyond his hands and mismatches created with linebackers, safeties, and corners, Lockwood brings more to the field than moving the chains and finding the end zone. Lockwood’s athleticism allows him to play on the line with a hand in the dirt opening up holes in the run game, or he can come out of the backfield as a lead blocker playing that H-back/fullback role.
All that Lockwood brings to a roster has been fully embraced by college football programs. The Class of 2023 four-star prospect has nailed down 22 offers with room to add more.
In an RNG first-look, Lockwood stopped by the Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Tyler, the Eagles’ offense looks like a lot of fun to be a part of with the innovation, and they were moving you all around utilizing your skills in different ways. First, what style of offense were you guys running and how would you describe it?
We run a Spread offense. They were moving me to H-back, tight and on the outside. Our other tight end had his hand in the ground more than I did last season.
With your versatility, from lining up in the backfield to the slot, what all were you doing within the offense throughout your sophomore season?
Everything. I’d block, go out for passes, block on the inside and outside, lead block, and go out for short and long passes.
The pairing of you and Sam Henke were a deadly duo moving the ball up and down the field for the Eagles. How were defenses trying to defend against you last season?
I was not as big of a name until the end of the year. Early in the season, they’d run a normal defense against us, a zone or maybe have a safety over me. They didn’t stack the box against us as a Spread team. Later in the season, they had a linebacker or a safety on me, or they’d have both on me.
When the 2020 season wrapped, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on offense?
Definitely getting open in space. That is probably the best part of my game. I was able to break off a route finding the soft spot in the defense for my quarterback to find me.
As that versatile offensive player, what have you been working on with the fundamentals to your game this offseason?
I am trying to get a lot faster. Last season, for me, I felt that I was too slow; slower than I wanted to be. This offseason I am focusing on getting faster, making my breaks faster, working on my routes, and my blocking. My blocking may not have been the greatest last season. I am working on finishing off my blocks making the offense work.
Are you switching stuff up a little bit during the 2021 season?
Yeah, I am going outside more than last year. I will be out on the perimeter, have a hand in the ground, and still be at H-back and in the slot. I will be playing defensive end this year as well.
What have you been doing this offseason in the weight room to add more power to your game?
I have been doing a lot of explosive stuff. I have a trainer that works on stability, balance, and explosiveness. My trainer has me getting ready for this year. I will be faster and more explosive.
Have you gone to any college camps this summer?
Yes, sir. I went to Georgia and Clemson, I visited those two schools, plus I went to South Carolina, Michigan and Ohio State.
The Georgia camp, how did that go?
It was really good. I had a great time with Coach (Todd) Hartley (TE). At the workout, it was me and two other dudes. That was a struggle; we got a lot of reps. They have a blocking thing they do, that helped me a lot.
What was that technique they taught you that has helped?
I had never seen it done before; they strap you to a dude and you step over the pad, work on having your hands inside and drive. I can tell it helps.
And the Ohio State visit, how did that go?
That was a lot of fun. I had a great time, a really great time. I spent day with Coach (Kevin) Wilson (OC/TE). He took me on tour of the school. I loved Coach (Ryan) Day (head coach). He is a great guy. I met with Coach Wilson; we watched film on Ohio State going over what the team will do next year. I have been watching Ohio State my entire life, that was fun to experience what their dudes experience every day.
Do you have any other visits coming up?
No, I am done with visits for the rest of June, but I might take some at the end of July. I may go back to South Carolina for a visit and maybe a game this fall. I will go back to Ohio State and maybe to Auburn at the end of July.
Are there any schools showing interest that have not offered yet?
I’ve had a few calls with some schools that are showing interest. I went to Georgia’s camp, spent the day with them, and I’ve had a few calls with Northwestern.
How many offers do you have?
I got Auburn today, that was my 22nd offer.
Lockwood’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Auburn, Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
Congratulations on the offer.
Thank you.
Ty, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you great success continuing to prepare for the 2021 season and with the visits you may take until we talk again.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Lockwood family; Ty Lockwood