Interview: Rising 2022 California WR Nic Viau Prepping for Big Season with Clovis
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credit: Nicole Noel
Twitter: @Nicole2Noel
It is one thing to be a workout monster lighting up combine test scores and yet another to be that athletic guy turning heads at camps in one-on-ones. It is yet another thing to put it all together showcasing the skills across the board, and that is what Class of 2022 Clovis High School receiver Nic Viau did mid-December at a Visionary Sports Group Camp. The 6-1, 170-pound, target posted back-to-back 4.5 times in the 40 and was laying out and climbing the ladder clowning defensive backs seemingly at will. After the camp, Viau posted an impressive video nailing a 56.25-inch box jump. The next big test for Viau is putting it all down on the field when the 2020 California season begins in the coming weeks.
After a video interview at the VSG Camp, Viau headed to the Lab for a more intricate conversation exploring all that he does on the field and with his workouts.
*Click link for Dec. 16 RNG video interview with Nic Viau
Interview
Nic, we got a quick video interview in back in December, I’m ready to go deeper today learning more about your skills. This offseason, what have you been working on as a receiver preparing for your varsity season with Clovis?
I have been working with my receiver coach when we had practices. This offseason I have been working on getting separation, running routes, and getting in and out of my breaks faster.
What offense do the Cougars run?
We run a Spread offense with a single back.
What are some of the routes within the scheme you will be doing once the 2020 season gets going?
I will be running slants, sluggos (double move off a slant), a good amount of comebacks – 12- and 10-yards, posts, and post-corners.
At the Visionary Sports Group Camp, you showed out with your testing running a 4.5 40-yard dash twice. What have you been doing over the fall and winter months to push your speed and agility to that next level?
I have been working with my speed and agility coach, Coach Jenkins, on my take off and getting faster with my start. We’ve been working on getting my speed up in general. With Coach Jenkins, I have worked on my knee drive a lot with him. That was a problem for me, my knee drive.
What are some of the workouts you’ve been doing to increase your strength?
Working with my weight lifting coach, Coach Richard. He’s had us on a tougher schedule pushing us doing Olympic weight lifting. We’ve been doing cleans, bench, squat, and hang cleans. He’s a big factor in my weight lifting.
Are you playing defense for the Cougars as well?
I may play corner this year, it all depends on what the team needs.
Over the fall and winter months, have you been playing 7v7 or with a club team?
I just started 7v7 with a new team. We are going to a tournament soon. I have been running routes with a QB coach when I can to get that extra work in.
After all this hard work, which of your skills are showing the improvements?
My biggest improvement is with my route running. Last year I was not the best at sinking my hips and getting in and out of my breaks. Now, I am a lot faster at it.
Once the 2020 California season gets going, what are you most excited to showcase of your skills after this long-extended offseason?
My speed. I feel faster, even with the times I have put up. I have increased my speed and I am looking forward to getting out there and running showing off my speed.
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Clovis?
Yes, I will be running track when that starts up.
Which events?
The 100, and pole vault again this year, and the long jump.
Nic, it was great getting another interview in with you. Can’t wait to see what you do with the Cougars this season.
Thank you.