Interview: Overlooked 2020 LB Lance Hackett Tore It Up for Powerhouse De La Salle
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every year college football programs seek out talent that can help their roster win games, but some staffs limit that search if a player does not fit an ideal profile for a given position. This can cover ground on height, weight, and/or speed. As a projected next level outside linebacker with a middle linebacker mentality, overlooked Class of 2020 De La Salle (12-1) talent checks the boxes and then some, but is still being missed on with only a preferred walk-on offer to San Jose State. The 5-11, 208-pound, inside linebacker helped guide the national powerhouse program as the defense’s quarterback with 57 total stops, 48 solo, 45 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and two interceptions playing in the first half only in most games due to blowout victories.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s top senior defenders covering ground on his senior season and talents on the field.
Interview
Lance, the Spartans are a historic California program and a national powerhouse. That winning pedigree brings a mentality with it and high expectations of each player. What has it meant for you to be a Spartan during your high school career?
“Being on that team, honestly, it hit me the most after we lost in state. Looking back, it was such an amazing experience. The work ethic we learned through all the summer workouts where we all finish together and we were held accountable together – things like that, those bonds we made are unbreakable.”
What was the base defense for the Spartans in 2019?
“We called it Cover 1, but it was Cover 3 – two inside linebacker, four defensive linemen and the corners would drop back.”
As an inside linebacker, what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
“My responsibilities were to call the plays. My coach would sign them in and I would call them. We had a lot of young kids, I had to tell them what to do. I had to know my and everyone else’s responsibilities. As our middle linebacker, I was heavy-run. On third and long I was not biting on a run so they can go over my head. I was always reading the guards.”
De La Salle does not backdown from challenges playing teams like St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) in the non-conference portion of the schedule with the regular East Bay League teams and the run through the California playoffs. Playing against those top teams, how did you raise your level of play to match the intensity of the moment?
“Our coaching staff stresses preparing for all these teams the same. No matter which week we are in, we always have that mentality. I knew those were important games, but we went out there as another game with something to prove.”
Looking back, what do you feel are the strengths to your game after the 2019 season ended?
“I feel like when I started, I have always been good at stopping the run, but as the season progressed my pass defense improved a lot. I have always been strong, I love contact, I am extremely aggressive, I blow people up and I shed blocks. For the weakness, it was my pass coverage because my run was so much better. I got some interceptions and pass breakups this season, that evened me out more. Our coaches stressed that with us.”
Is there any part of your game you feel may get overlooked?
“With college coaches, maybe my height. I may be underestimated because of that. I feel like I am blowing people up and doing my job.”
You mentioned your strength, what are your weight room maxes?
“My max on bench is 315 and my max on squat is 405.”
Do you compete in any other sports for De La Salle?
“Wrestling and rugby.”
Which weight division?
“198.”
How has your wrestling season gone?
“It is going good. I won my league and came in second in North Coast. State is next week. So far I am 25-3 for the season.”
When it comes to playing football at the next level, what is the ideal fit for you?
“I want competition. I want a school where I will play at some point, where they will make me better, and at a winning program.”
Lance, thanks for your time today and good luck at State.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Lance Hackett’s Hudl reel
Photo credit: De La Salle/Hacket family; No. 14 Lance Hackett in action