Interview: Michigan State 2017 QB Commit Rocky Lombardi has Valley Rolling

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Results in the win-loss column and final scores can give a pretty good idea just how strong a team is dominating the competition. For Valley High School, the first five games of the season could not have gone any better. The Tigers posted and average of 45 points per game through four lopsided wins, the defenses has pitched two shutouts and is only allowing an average of five points per game, and Valley got over a big hump beating Dowling 16-9 (Sept. 9).

The mental edge the Des Moines squad has going forward after downing Dowling should give other Iowa teams cause for concern. During the 2015 season, Dowling beat the Tigers twice with the second loss coming in the semifinal round of the playoffs. With senior leadership under center in Rocky Lombardi, the Tigers are the No. 1 ranked team in the state steamrolling as a collective force forward.

Valley is putting together a great team effort thus far with Lombardi engineering the offense. Due to the lopsided wins, the 6-3.5, 220 pound, quarterback is not putting up gaudy senior season numbers threatening to take down state records. What is even better for the Tigers, the Michigan State commit is not about personal stats or individual glory but relishes the role as a team leader with the group goal of winning state.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Lombardi after the Tigers downed Southeast Polk 45-0 to get an update on his senior season and an overview on how he is helping recruit for the Spartans.

Interview

Rocky, the Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the state and are undefeated, how does the team looking so far? Are you guys coming together and gelling for deep playoff run?

“We look really good. We have great skill players, a great returning running back who is a junior, and four really good wide receivers. I’m lucky this year. Our tight end tore his ACL early but he is really good too. I’m slinging the ball around to everyone. Our defense is phenomenal. I don’t think we’ve given up more than 25 points all season.”

You guys had a big win against Dowling. Since Dowling beat you guys twice last year, how big was that win for the Tigers?

“It was pretty big especially with them being the three-time state champs. They were on our list. We knew we had to get through them first if we wanted to make a run to a state championship. Having that win under our belt gives us confidence for the rest of the season.”

You guys are coming off a big 45-0 win over Southeast Polk, how did you play in that game?

“I played alright, but not my best game. I had a few throws that I missed that I would not normally miss. I had a couple good throws. My brother (Beau Lombardi) caught his first touchdown pass of the season. That was special. I’m improving every week trying to get as close to perfect as I’m going to get by the end of the season.”

Which game has been your best so far this season?

“Fort Dodge (won 49-0). I played well in that game. I played in the first half. I think I only had 10 or 11 attempts. I only had one bad ball and the rest were on the money. I threw well in that game. I knew when to escape and knew when to take a hit. That was my best game passing. Against Johnston (won 52-9), I rushed for like 95 yards. I was able to escape the pocket and make plays with my legs.”

What has been the biggest challenge for you so far this year?

“Getting in a rhythm, especially with limited passing attempts. It is hard to stay in that rhythm. It is hard to throw out of nowhere. Normally you have to keep throwing to stay in a rhythm. It has been a little difficult with the blowouts we’ve had so far.”

What are some gains you are making with your game from last year to this year?

“I hope my decision making has improved. My physical strength has improved and I am better at running the ball. My vision, how to break tackles, and stuff like that has helped me. Being a better decision maker and more accurate passer have been the biggest gains.”

I understand all games are exciting to play, but is there one game coming up you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“Our eighth game (Marshalltown). They are an undefeated team from 3A, one class below us. This is their first year in 4A. They are a good team, ranked No. 8. They should be a good challenge for us.”

Are any schools still talking to you on the recruiting trail?

“No. Michigan State is the only one in contact with me lately.”

When do you take your official visit to Michigan State?

“They want me to come up sometime in January. Sometime over the winter for a basketball game.”

Are you taking any unofficial visits up there?

“I haven’t yet but I am going up there this weekend for the BYU game.”

Are you helping recruit any players for Michigan State?

“I’m trying to, but I think we are close to full with 20 commits. I think we are taking 22. There are a few guys we’re are still looking at but for the most part we have the class set up and ready to go.”

Who are the guys you are still recruiting?

“For me KJ Hamler (four-star) and Oliver Martin (three-star). Oliver is a wide receiver from Iowa City (West High School). We grew up together. We played on same little league team. He has blown up with offers. KJ is from Michigan, the Detroit area I believe. He plays for IMG Academy now. He is a real explosive receiver and really good in the slot. I’m excited about both of those guys.”

When watching MSU games this year, how are you watching the games? Are you watching as a fan, a friend to the team, are you in a study mode breaking down plays, or a combination of it all?

“A combination. Obviously I am a fan first. I cheer on my team. I watch to see what they are doing from a studying standpoint. I take notes on what they are doing and when. If I have questions I ask the coaches. I am studying the playbook as much as I can. I don’t want to spend a whole year trying to pick it up once I am there. I am trying to put myself into a better position to succeed once I am on campus.”

Rocky, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; Rocky Lombardi (left) with WR Hunter Rison (right).

Photo credit: valleytigerfootball.com; No. 12 Rocky Lombardi drops back to pass.