Interview: 5-Star 2019 Texas LS Luke Rizzo Talks College Camp Schedule
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In any sport and at any position, a lot goes into being tagged a five-star player. On the gridiron, some prospects may just be physically gifted above and beyond their peer group while others are technicians and students of the game adding their physical gifting into the equation. For 2019 long snapper Luke Rizzo, it seems he is the hybrid of the formula.
Rizzo is not only the highest rated long snapper in the state of Texas, he is also one of the best in the nation. The Woodlands High School standout is ranked No. 8 nationally by snapping guru Chris Rubio earning his stripes through his play on the field and live competition against other snappers at national camps and combines. The 6-0, 222-pound, rising special teams star is not only accurate but getting faster and faster. A progression of his 15-yard snap speed has gone from .825 seconds to .75 and is now down to a blur at .65 to .63. The combination of size, skill, and proficiency has the attention of college programs such as Arkansas, Wisconsin, Washington State, and Houston, among others.
After seeing Rizzo in action at the Chris Rubio all-star snapping camp in Las Vegas on May 13, I sat down with the Lone Star State product for an in-depth conversation learning more about his skillset and recruiting process.
Interview
Luke, through the Chris Rubio camps you have earned a five-star rating and a spot as a Top 12 performer, for the reader out there that does not know what that means, what all goes into being a Top 12 and five-star snapper?
“A lot of work and a lot of practice. Practice is key. I do a lot of slow motion snap working on form over just repetitive snaps.”
Playing for the Highlanders, you’ve had a chance to hone your craft on the field against tough competition, when did you earn a start as a varsity snapper?
“Last year I earned my spot as a starter. During my sophomore year, we had another snapper. My coach asked me to split time with him then.”
From the end of last season and through the offseason thus far, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skillset?
“Speed. I was snapping at .75 (seconds) now at .65, even some at .63. My consistency has gotten better.”
What else needs to be done or worked on to push your game forward even further before the start of the 2018 season?
“A lot more work and practice. Repetition of form so it becomes muscle memory.”
I got to see you perform at the Chris Rubio camp in Las Vegas, have you attended any other camps this offseason?
“I have attended the Dallas and Vegas Chris Rubio camps.”
How did Vegas go for you?
“Vegas was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. I got to see a lot of other snappers. I got my fifth star and jumped up in the rankings. It was an amazing experience.”
How did the Dallas camp go for you?
“The Dallas camp, I won that as the overall champion.”
That was a very good camp for you then. Do you have any upcoming camps left on the schedule?
“I will attend camps at Wisconsin, Texas State, Arkansas, Purdue, Houston, and I may go to Washington State camp if I can.”
Which college programs are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Wisconsin, Texas State, Arkansas, Purdue, Houston, Louisiana-Monroe, and Washington State.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“My GPA is a 3.0. I am working to bring that up even higher.”
Have you taken the SAT and/or ACT yet?
“No. I am taking my first test on June 2.”
Good luck with that.
“Thank you.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“History.”
Have you started to think about what you would like to major in once in college?
“I am thinking about business, maybe agricultural business.”
Do you play any other sports?
“I play rugby; it is a club sport.”
If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they pursuing?
“I am a student-athlete that is hardworking, very engaged, and when I set a goal I focus on achieving it.”
When the time comes to make a decision on the right fit for you, what all will influence the school and program of your choice?
“What will influence me the most is a school that can offer me a great education as well as a school that has a winning program, and good team chemistry between coaches and players.”
Luke, thanks for your time today and good luck at all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Luke Rizzo