Interview: 2020 California DE Lance Keneley Talks Utah Offer and Offseason Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For the most part, it is rare for a sophomore to make a big impact on their varsity high school football team. Making that impact at a big-time high school program puts one into rarified air, and that perhaps best sums up Lance Keneley’s 2017 season with Mission Viejo.

For those unaware of the Diablos football program, they are one of the best in California finishing the 2017 schedule 12-1 ranked No. 17 nationally and No. 6 in California (MaxPreps). Keneley’s contribution to the high achieving squad was 39 total stops, 22 solo, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and two quarterback hurries. Off the field, Keneley earned Future Pride of the Diablos and Scholar Athlete honors for his work.

The play and productivity for one of the nation’s best programs has put a spotlight on the 6-5, 220-pound, defensive end. Utah was the first to offer laying the groundwork for more Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference schools to take notice of the defensive end with tremendous upside during his junior campaign.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the fast rising 2020 California talents to learn more about his game, offseason workouts, and college camp circuit.

Interview

Lance, you were a key defender for the Diablos last season. Entering the year, did you know you would have that big of an impact on defense?

“No, sir. My main goal going into the year was to play to the best of my abilities and make an impact for my team. The good news is, I accomplished my goal.”

Yes, you did. The Diablos play at a high level every year with a lot of big expectations, what was that adjustment like for you going against top California competition on a team with championship aspirations?

“It was definitely a big adjustment from freshmen ball. Luckily, we had our first game in Hawaii, that was an eye opener for me but helped me ease into the transition. I got more comfortable on the team and being around those top players on the field as the season went along.”

How did your overall game improve during your sophomore season?

“Compared to my freshman year, to me, night and day. I went back and watched film from my first varsity game to my last. I got better with the help of my coaches and their support. My get off got better. At the beginning of the season, I was just running up field. My technique got better and better throughout the year and I was able to utilize my attributes.”

Looks like you did a great job of using your hands and had the push-pull working for you, what other moves did you use to get to the quarterback in 2017?

“Chop and rip, and anything that would utilize my speed. I was not the heaviest last year. I used my speed a lot to get around tackles.”

Are you working on any new moves this offseason?

“My main focus is to get bigger in the weight room. Coach Johnson has implemented a new weight lifting program to get us bigger. It is working well.”

What other areas of your game are you working on in spring practice and summer ball?

“In spring ball, I have been refining my pass rush and working on playing the run game better. Anything I can refine technically, I have been working on it.”

Are you staying at defensive end in 2018, or will you line up at different spots this season?

“Yes, sir. I am staying at end.”

Have you been to any camps or combines this summer?

“I went to an APU (Azusa Pacific) camp.”

How did that go for you?

“I thought it was a great opportunity to show off my speed and my play. I feel like I was able to draw some attention to myself even as an underclassman.”

Do you have any other upcoming camps scheduled?

“I am thinking about a UCLA camp on June 24th and I have a Redlands camp on Saturday (June 16).”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Honestly, I am not sure. I have kind of measured it in Twitter followers. Based on that, some of my followers on Twitter are UCLA, Northwestern, and Fresno State.”

You received your first offer this week from Utah (June 9), what was that like getting the offer from a big-time Pac-12 program?

“It was unreal. I was not expecting to receive that attention at the APU camp. I just wanted my name on their radar. I am thankful they are taking interest in me.”

What are you goals for the rest of the summer in regards to your workouts?

“My goals are to keep getting bigger and doing speed work – I am running hills and doing stuff like that during our dead period.”

What are you doing away from football for fun this summer?

“For fun, we are going on vacation. I have a close group of friends, I am spending time with them.”

Lance, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Joe Payne; Lance Keneley in action (2017)