Iowa Class of 2017 QB Rocky Lombardi Discusses Verbal Commitment to Michigan State

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Regional battles for top football talent along the recruiting trail can prove to be difficult for a lot of people in a lot of different ways. Battles for top regional talent in the Big Ten are no different than in any other area with Ohio State along with surging programs in Michigan, Penn State, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and the seemingly always steady Michigan State Spartans squaring off over potential players that could be the difference between a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoffs or a hum-ho kind of season.

A battle had begun in the state of Iowa between the Hawkeyes and the Spartans over an extremely talented gunslinger in Rocky Lombardi. The 6’3.5”, 220 pound, pro-style quarterback helped lead West Des Moines Valley High School to a 10-3 record in 2015 passing for 2,400 yards with 29 touchdowns while just throwing five interceptions and rushed for another 400 yards with eight scores. Recruiting interest was growing with Iowa State, Yale, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Miami (Ohio), Dartmouth, and Virginia extending offers and Arkansas, Kansas State, and Nebraska laying down early groundwork for a possible connection.

Lombardi had visited the Hawkeyes at least six different times and was about to visit Miami (Ohio) the weekend of April 2 but changed last minute to visit the Spartans – and the rest as they say is history. Wrestling with a tough decision, stay in-state or follow his gut instincts in East Lansing, Sunday afternoon Lombardi posted his decision via Twitter writing, “I am excited to announce my commitment to continue my football career at Michigan State University! #GoGreen.”

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Lombardi to get the inside scoop on his commitment and what led him to pick the Spartans over the Hawkeyes.

Interview

Rocky, first, congratulations on your commitment to Michigan State.

“Thank you.”

Before we get into your commitment, please walk me through your visit this weekend.

“When I went up there, they were having spring practices. I watched them practice, but before that I toured all the facilities. I had seen everything before but they had renovated some of them. They have a brand new locker room that is beautiful. I got to meet all the coaches, the academic support members, strength staff, and equipment guys. It was cool to meet everyone in the program. That helped me make my decision, I felt like I had a grasp of the program. Then I went to practice, I met Hunter Rison (wide receiver Skyline High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan). He is a really nice guy and a great receiver. He committed that day during practice. He was very influential with me. He was trying to persuade me and did a good job. The decision was all mine but he did help.”

So, what did influence you to commit today after your visit to MSU?

“First of all, the academics. I want to major in business and they have a great program there. They run a pro-style attack that translates well into the NFL. That is proven with the last five quarterbacks drafted into the NFL in the last 10 years. Their rich history was very influential. Other than me having a great time, feeling the family atmosphere, and seeing how much the coaches care about the kids, I got a good feel for the coaches. They are very honest, great people, and are a great organization.”

How did the commitment take place? I’m assuming you came back home and made the decision unless you committed silently before you left?

“Yeah, I went back home after that great visit. I talked to Hunter about it. I told him it’s an awesome place. At one point on Saturday, we were about to see the locker room and I asked him if he was coming. He said, “I’m coming if you’re committing today.” We both laughed and went into the locker room. But yeah, I came back home talked to my parents and friends, people I trust with this decision. They were all very supportive. I called Coach (Mark) Dantonio (head coach) and told him that I would like to commit and be a Spartan.”

What was the reaction of Coach Dantonio when you committed?

“Coach – I thought he was very excited. I hope he was because I was. It seemed to relieve some stress from him. I imagine recruiting quarterbacks is stressful. I know as a quarterback being recruited is stressful. Committing was a big relief off my shoulders. I was really excited.”

What all was going through your mind and how did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I could not figure out what I wanted to do. I was about to go to lunch so I wanted to call after lunch. I was talking to Hunter and told him I was going to commit. We were excited. I was looking at Brad Salem’s (quarterback coach/recruiting coordinator) number he gave me. I clicked on it by accident and was thinking now I have to call him and go through with it. I was shaking. I was nervous but mostly excited. This is it, this is the place for me. I’m thrilled to be a Spartan.”

Did any other schools make your commitment to Michigan State difficult?

“Yeah, Iowa was probably my No. 2 school. They have a great program. Coach (Kirk) Ferentz (head coach), Coach (Greg) Davis (offensive coordinator), and Coach (Chris) Doyle (strength and conditioning coach) are all phenomenal people. They are great with kids, have a great program, and made it hard for me being in-state picking Michigan State. I know them well being there for several visits. They are phenomenal people. It was hard to choose where I wanted to go, as a quarterback I think Michigan State is a better fit for me.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you at Michigan State?

“Oh yeah, absolutely. I want my team to be the best it can be. I’m already on the phone with the group chat. I will call Coach Salem to see who he wants me to talk to and see how I can help. I think Michigan State is a great place. We have to have great players. I want to see if I can help the school out a little bit if I can.”

I know you just committed and this might be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but have you thought about being an early enrollee at MSU or are you going to let your senior season play out and join the team next summer?

“I think I will graduate with my class. I don’t believe in graduating early. I think graduating with your class is important. Graduating from college, I don’t think I need to enroll early to get that accomplished. If coach really wants me to come in early for whatever reason, I am in position to do that if I wanted to do so.”

Are you going back to MSU anytime soon for another unofficial visit?

“I’d like to make it up there, just because I like the place. I like being in Lansing. I’d like to watch their spring game or stop by and hang out. I don’t know yet.”

Rocky, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Michigan State.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Lombardi Family; Rocky Lombardi (left) with Hunter Rison (right) at MSU.