Interview with Rising 2021 Loyola DE Josh Long
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Making the move from one scheme to another and from one position to another can be difficult, yet Class of 2021 talent Josh Long made it look easy. The 6-4, 212-pound, athlete went from a two-way player at outside linebacker and tight end with Eastside High School in Lancaster to a hand in the dirt end with Los Angeles’ Loyola Cubs. Long picked up the nuances of the position in a hurry leading to 65 tackles, 16 solo, with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery in stats posted through eight games. As Long morphed into a run stopper and pass rusher, the Cubs (6-6) evolved as a collective unit forced to elevate their game against Division I and II teams forging their way into the playoffs. Going up against other Division IV squads, the Cubs are dominating in the playoffs with wins over Palos Verdes, Villa Park, and Camarillo with San Juan Hills up next.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising defenders for an update on his season with an overview on the Cubs’ play in crunch time.
Interview
Josh, the Cubs have played a really tough schedule this season going up classifications in and out of league play. How has the team come together over the course of the season for the amazing run in the playoffs?
“At first, we faced a lot of adversity, but we have all learned to work with one another and that has strengthened the bond of the team. We have a better flow with our bond, we are more fluid. It is amazing to see a whole group of guys come together with one common goal.”
How has the season gone for you?
“It has gone pretty good. I started off playing defensive end, a position I was not too familiar with but I have learned the position. My coaches have taught me tricks to the position and how to play it.”
What base defense are the Cubs executing?
“Our base is a 3-4, sometimes we might bring a Sam (LB) up to cover over a tight end for a 4-3 look. How we line up is based on the team we play and their formations, we adjust. If we go against a run-heavy team we might go to a 5-2, a 50-front.”
Where are you lining up in the schemes and what are your responsibilities?
“I play defense end in the two-gap. Some calls have me outside contain or at the two-gap sit heavy, if it is a running play or a pass play, I have to adjust.”
How has your overall game improved this year?
“Coming off the ball and recognizing plays have improved a lot for me this year.”
Of all the games played, which has been your best performance?
“The Cathedral game; it is kind of hard to choose. In that game I think I had 10 tackles. Everything was flowing and going good for me against Cathedral.”
All players at all levels face a challenge each season. What has been a challenge you have faced in 2019?
“Playing the two-gap, getting that down. At my old school, they had me lining up on the outside as a rush end. Covering the two-gap, you have to anchor down, shed blocks, and make tackles against the run.”
How has that challenge made you a better overall defender?
“I have learned how to do different things. I know how to come off the edge and I now know how to be a run stopper.”
Is there an overlooked aspect to your game that does not necessarily show up on the stat sheet or on the highlight reel?
“Doing stunts and using my hands.”
As mentioned, the team has come together in the playoffs and are playing at an elite level. How has the team looked in the playoff victories?
“Going into the playoffs, we’ve started off strong. The offense has been putting up points while the defense has been making stops. On both sides of the ball we are executing nicely. We just have to do play the same way this week.”
You guys get a tough San Juan Hills (10-3) team on Friday. What are you expecting from their offense?
“We are expecting… they have good sets for the pass and the run. They are well-balanced. They do a good job of both.”
Josh, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and the team good luck on Friday.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Long family/Loyola HS; No. 34 Josh Long