Interview: Centennial RB Nicholas Floyd is the Breakout 2020 Star in Southern California
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
So much of life is about opportunity, but more importantly being prepare for that opportunity when it comes. One short sentence gives a summation of the countless hours of hard work put into the game of Nicholas Floyd but all the superlatives on how he has taken advantage of said opportunity could take an equivalent in metadata.
If Vegas had odds on the senior season Floyd is turning it at the end of his junior campaign, one might have gotten a million-to-1 odds on him rushing for over 1,000 yards with 20-plus scores… and would have been very wealthy dropping the monies. The 5-11, 190-pound, speedster has taken the Centennial Huskies offense by storm rushing for 1,071 yards off 105 carries with 23 touchdowns scores carrying a 10-yard per average mark. Even though the California powerhouse is loaded at the receiver position, Floyd has been able to showcase some of his all-purpose back nature pulling in four passes for 94 yards with a touchdown. All of this comes after a junior season picking up 19 totes for 143 yards with three touchdowns playing behind senior tailbacks.
The Corona area squad is once again one of the best in the country with a 6-2 record ranked No. 17 nationally by MaxPreps picking up a full-head of steam behind the speed and power Floyd has given the offense. To cover the big play on the field and his rising recruiting process, I got an exclusive interview in with No. 22.
Interview
Nick, the Centennial offense is humming along yet again this season putting 53 points per game on average on the opposition. What are you guys doing so well this year leading to the big wins?
“We are doing a better job of executing as the season goes on and we are practicing even harder.”
All high school football teams have an adjustment period as rosters roll over each season. What have been some of the adjustments you guys have had to make as a unit that is paying off as a well-oiled unit on the field?
“We made a lot of adjustments with our offensive line. Now we are more comfortable with each other. We have been rolling lately; everyone is doing their assignments. I am getting a feel for the linemen too; where to cut and where the holes will be.”
One of the breakout performances of the 2019 season in California has been your play coming out of the Huskies backfield. From the start of the schedule to now, how has your confidence grown realizing how well you are tearing it up?
“My confidence has grown a lot knowing I have not played a lot over my three years. I am faster, stronger, and I know how to hit the holes better.”
When did you start to take off and dominate games with your skills?
“It started to click this summer doing our speed training and when we were working into our soft shells. I noticed that I was a lot faster and better within the offense. This season, it was the Long Beach Poly game; it felt easy. I knew where to be at for the right point and time. I knew all the plays and I was running the offense proficiently.”
Given how well you have played, have you even surprised yourself with how well you have done against all the top teams played?
“Not really. Deep down in my heart I knew I could compete with anyone I just needed a chance to show my talents.”
Well said. What are some of the designed plays the Huskies staff are calling to get you the ball within the offensive scheme?
“They are calling a lot of inside zone and up the middle plays. Sometimes they call pass plays for me to get in open space. We have some outside run plays like tosses as well.”
Your speed and quickness are a big part of your game, what are some of the other strengths?
“The way I can set up my blocks, my field vision, and ability in the open-field.”
Over the offseason, did you put down a 40-yard dash time?
“My best time was a 4.52 at the Hall of Fame Camp.”
So far this season, which game has been your best?
“The best game for me this season was probably the Long Beach Poly game. I had two rushing touchdowns and showed I can catch the ball out of the backfield.”
As you take off on the field, which schools off the gridiron are showing interest?
“Montana, Sac State, and Arizona are showing interest.”
Have you received any offers?
“Yes. Bethel (KS) has offered me.”
From the summer to now, have you taken any visits?
“Over the summer I took a visit to Nevada and UNLV.”
Tell me about the Nevada visit.
“It went great. After the visit, I camped there. I did well at their camp.”
And the UNLV trip?
“It went great. I saw their facilities, how they work, and I saw what it takes to get to the D-I level.”
Upcoming, are you planning any trips?
“I might visit Sac State.”
Back to football. The team just got another big league win last week taking down area rival Norco 61-23. Overall, how did the team look in the win?
“We looked great. Our offense was firing on all cylinders, our defense locked down their receivers and put pressure on their quarterback.”
Closing out the season, you guys go on the road to face King and Roosevelt. What do you guys have to do to win out and get ready for the playoffs?
“We need to stay focused and have the same energy we have had for each game, and we have to keep working hard in practice. We cannot play down to our opponents.”
Nick, it was great getting the interview in with you today. Congratulations on the success so far, keep kicking butt.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Floyd family; Nick Floyd at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Camp