Interview: Move to Center Expands Recruiting Options for 2018 OL Luke Lacilento

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

An argument can be made about which position is most important along the offensive line, left tackle, assuming a right-handed quarterback, or center. While both positions are key to a successful unit, finding a center with size that can call pre-snap protection, snap, and block is hard to find. After a couple of games into his senior season, college coaches will have little problems finding Luke Lacilento.

Over the last two seasons Lacilento has been grinding it out in the trenches for Servite High School. The Friars play in perhaps the toughest high school conference in the nation, the Trinity League. Each season dozens of Trinity League alumni take their backpacks and skill set to the Division-I level. Despite all of the top competition Lacilento has forged a path forward among the best earning second team All-Trinity honors during the 2016 season at right guard. A shift to center in 2017 will skyrocket his recruiting stock value.

College coaches are already showing interest in the 6-3, 315 pound, steamroller. After a couple of games showing what he can do at center, interest currently being received from teams like Cal, Navy, Harvard, Georgia Tech, and Air Force will surely double, if the excitement in Lacilento’s abilities do not take off ahead of schedule during the camp season. The good news for college coaches and fans of the Friars’ football program, Lacilento has been snapping since his freshman season leading to what should be a seamless transition for the imposing Class of 2018 lineman.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down for a one-on-one interview with one of the rising stars in California’s 2018 recruiting class learning more about his junior campaign and move to center.

Interview

Luke, what type of blocking schemes do the offensive linemen at Servite execute during a game?

“We do a power type of offense, a lot of pass and run blocking. We do a lot of zones and stretch plays too.”

The Friars played a lot of tough teams last year like De La Salle, St. John Bosco, Mater Dei, JSerra, and Mission Viejo. Who were a couple of defensive linemen that gave you a good challenge in that schedule?

“Jacob Callier (2017 defensive end) at St. John Bosco and No. 51 on De La Salle (Tuli Letuligasenoa – 2018), he was a really strong guy. The defensive lineman for Bishop Amat, Aaron Maldonado (2018). He was tough too.”

How has playing against top players like that made your game better?

“I think it made me better because I know the caliber I need to play at to get better. It let me know that I needed to get stronger. I am determined to be the best and get there.”

How did your blocking improve during your junior season?

“With my pass set, I had a stronger punch than last year. I did better moving parallel with my man. With my run blocking, I got lower with a powerful punch from the ground up.”

What are you working on during the off-season for your senior year?

“I’m working with PTP this off-season. We work on things like kick slide, run blocking, plate lock outs, and lift a lot of weights.”

Where all will you line up next season for Servite?

“After this year, our senior center graduated. I will be playing center next season.”

Are you excited about playing center during your senior year?

“Yes. I’ve been training as a center since my freshman year.”

What are your weight room max totals?

My bench is 315, power clean is 275, and my squat is 450.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“I have interest from Toledo, Air Force, Holy Cross, University of San Diego, Penn, and Bucknell.”

Do you have any offers yet?

“I have a D-II offer from Missouri Southern State University.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I’ve been to UCLA.”

Do you have any planned visits for the spring or summer?

“I will be attending Bucknell (March 24) Jr. and Penn (March 19) for their Junior Days. I plan on visiting Nebraska (spring) and Toledo (March) too.”

What camps are you looking at attending?

“I’m going to the Blue-Grey All-American camp this weekend, the Under Armour All-American Camp in Texas, the Nike Opening Regional (LA), and a Kumite camp.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.93.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking both tests this spring.”

Last questions. If you’re off-season is successful before you start your senior year, what all will you have accomplished to make it happen?

“I hope to accomplish losing some weight. I want to get down to 300 and get stronger. I want to be the best possible athlete I can be for my senior year.”

What gets you fired up out on the field?

“When I see my friends and family up there in the stands. I want to play my hardest for them.”

Luke, thanks for your time today and good luck at all of the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Lacilento family; Luke Lacilento (left) and Michael Lacilento (2017) at UCLA.

Photo credit: Lacilento family; No. 69 Luke Lacilento takes on a defensive tackle.

Photo credit: Lacilento family; No. 69 Luke Lacilento pass set.