Michigan State 2017 QB Commit Rocky Lombardi Updates Summer Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The last three-plus months have been a whirlwind for West Des Moines Valley (IA) quarterback Rocky Lombardi. The Class of 2017 pro-style talent led his team to a 10-3 record in 2015 passing for over 2,400 yards with 29 touchdowns leading to eight offers by mid-March. By early April he was a Michigan State commit ending what could have been a swell of offers by National Signing Day 2017.

With Lombardi (6-3, 217) on board, the Spartans 2017 class has continued to roll picking up 10 verbal commitments since then, now 15 in total, with offensive linemen Matt Carrick, Mustafa Khaleefah, and Jordan Reid, running back Weston Bridges, and pass catching tight end Matt Dotson joining the Lombardi led offense of the future.

On the practice fields, the Iowa native made it to the Elite 11 semifinals in Los Angeles selected as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He also is part of a West Valley team making a run at the state playoffs in baseball prepping for the sub-state finals round beginning on Friday before the final eight advance to the state championship round.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Lombardi getting an update on his baseball season (played once school is out in Iowa), his offseason football workouts, and received a recruiting update.

Interview

Rocky, how is the baseball season going so far?

“It is going pretty well. I’m hitting the ball well. I had a few games with a slump but I have been pretty consistent all year. On the field, I’m fielding the ball better and better as the season goes along. I had a big play last week in the field. I made a double-play that saved the game. We won the game in extra innings. Baseball has been a lot of fun for me and it gets better every day.”

Do you know your stat line from the season?

“Not off the top of my head.”

Which positions are you playing this year?

“Primarily third base. I played outfield early in the year. We found an outfielder to field the position. I was playing outfield but now I’m back in the infield at third.”

Are you not pitching to save your arm for football?

“I don’t know why but I just have not been pitching this year. I haven’t been doing the workouts needed to go pitch.”

Are any Major League Baseball scouts showing interest in you?

“Baseball is not something I want to go into. College football is my dream. I’m pursuing that now. Baseball is fun. I love to compete and be with my friends out on the field.”

When we spoke last at the Elite 11 you were getting ready for the June 17 Michigan State camp. How did that go for you?

“It went well. I had a lot of fun. There were a lot of ex-NFL players there and former players that are still in the NFL. Some of the big names there were guys like Kirk Cousins (QB Washington Redskins) and Drew Stanton (QB Arizona Cardinals). I talked a lot with Drew Stanton. I really enjoyed and cherished that. Jeremy Langford (RB Chicago Bears) was there. There were a ton of current and ex-NFL players there.

“The camp was fun. I spent time with Darien Clemons (2017 LB commit from Ohio) and Cody White (2017 WR commit from Michigan). It was cool to build a relationship with them. It was cool being on campus and being with the coaches again.”

Are any schools still taking a run at you trying to lure you away from MSU?

“Not a ton. Nebraska asked me to go to their camp, other than that it has been low key. Committing takes all of that stress off. Right now it is pretty much just Michigan State. I don’t have to worry about other programs talking to me. I can focus on my team and the season now.”

How have your offseason workouts gone? Are you getting much time in with baseball continuing into the postseason?

“I’m doing a few workouts, but not as many as I would like. Our high school program does one or two sessions a week. I’m trying to get out and throw more than that. The majority of the work is with my team. After baseball is over, I will start throwing every day to get my arm ready for the season.”

Have you been doing any other work in the community?

“My dad runs a kids camp, I show up and help out there and I’ve worked with the freshman classman class.”

Rocky, thanks for your time today and good luck with the sub-state tournament on Friday.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Rocky Lombardi at the Elite 11.

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