Two-Time All-League California CB Isaiah Alcocer Talks Senior Season on the Gridiron

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There have been a lot of highlights and reasons to cheer on La Habra High School football over the past two seasons. One bright spot, the Highlanders have posted 15 wins in 2016-17 making a three-game run into the playoffs last season and a one-game run in 2017 before falling 28-27 in overtime to a very tough Edison squad. Through all the wins and tight games, another bright spot on the field has been Class of 2018 cornerback Isaiah Alcocer.

Alcocer earned All-Freeway League honors as a junior putting an end to 35 plays with five passes picked off. The 5-11, 178 pound, athlete upped his game during his senior campaign posting a stat line of 43 tackles with two tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and picked off three passes. On special teams, the one kick return he was credited with was promptly returned 98-yards the other way for a score.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Alcocer for an end of season wrap up interview learning more about his growing skillset on the field.

Interview

Isaiah, you had some electric plays on the field this year but accomplished a rare feat with a blocked kick returned for a touchdown. What was going through your mind as you were racing down the field with the ball in your hands?

(Laughs) “That was my second most fun moment in my career. Going down the field, I was thinking I have to make sure I score this right now.”

You posted a solid stat line with three picks this year, what all were you doing well on the field allowing you to have a productive senior season to earn All-League again?

“It all started off the field watching film and in practice. I spent a lot of time studying offenses, knowing their go to plays and who they like on certain down and distances.”

Which areas of your game saw the most growth in 2017?

“I’d say my football IQ. This was only my second year playing corner. The experience I had helped my knowledge of the game. I was seeing everything better this year.”

Your game reel shows route and play recognition, how did you prepare for each game this season?

“Film – paying attention to film and in practice. I would write down the plays, writing them down for hours and hours. I made sure I had an understanding of their plays before a game. You have to adapt to their schemes each week. A lot of the teams run the same kind of offenses but there are always slight differences you have to pay attention to each week.”

Which area of your game most often gets overlooked?

“I’d say my tackling. A lot of people don’t think corners cannot tackle. Tacking is a big thing for me.”

Have you started an offseason workout program yet?

“Oh yeah. I started right after the season ended. I am training with Speed Burners in Orange County.”

What will be the focus of your workouts?

“All speed stuff – speed and hips, that is what corners are, speed and hips.”

Have you picked up any next level recruiting interest?

“I’ve talked to Northern Colorado, they are sending someone down to meet with me, and I am receiving interest from Redlands.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I took an unofficial to Redlands.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a cumulative 3.3 GPA, but I have a 3.7 this semester.”

On the rise, I like it. Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the SAT on Dec. 2. I should get my test scores back in a week or so.”

Are you participating in any winter or spring sports for La Habra?

“I might run track, but I am focusing on training for next season.”

Last question. Looking back on the 2017 season, or even for your high school career, what are you most proud of regarding your play on the field for La Habra?

“I think the thing I am most proud of, not bowing to other teams. We played a lot of big D-I teams. I was always a competitor out there playing my best and showing my school pride.”

Isaiah, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see Isaiah Alcocer Hudl highlight reel

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Photo credit: Paul Luna; No. 5 Isaiah Alcocer in the end zone

Photo credit: youtube.com; No. 5 Isaiah Alcocer between plays