Interview: 2022 California RB/ATH Hunter Roddy Talks Columbia Offer and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Out of the Southwestern League, the Pumas were one of those teams the opposition hated to face knowing it was going to be a battle for four quarters. One of the players setting that never give up tone was Class of 2022 athlete Hunter Roddy. In Chaparral stats posted through six games, Roddy averaged 143 yards on the ground per game taking 128 handoffs for 858 yards with 16 scores while showing some of his all-purpose abilities securing four passes for 18. In addition to earning All-League honors at running back, Roddy got after it on defense ending 36 plays with a tackle for a loss and a pass broken up.
On Dec. 4, 2020, the 6-0, 215-pound, back received an early Christmas present picking up his first offer from Columbia. For an update on his recruiting and offseason workouts preparing for his junior campaign, Roddy sat down for another RNG interview.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Hunter Roddy
Interview
Hunter, during our last talk we covered all the different things you did on the field during the 2019 season and all that you are planning on doing for the 2020 campaign. If you will, update us on all the positions you might play this season on both sides of the ball.
This season my coaches are talking about me playing as a hybrid safety and linebacker. On offense they want to get the ball to me more at receiver, but I am still starting at running back.
What offensive set are you guys running this season?
We are in more of a Spread formation, but we are doing other formations. We will also be in the Pistol, single-back, and some tight end sets but mostly running a Spread.
What are some of the ways the Pumas’ coaching staff plan on feeding you the rock?
They will try to implement me into the passing game out of the backfield and in the slot. They feel I can be used more in those ways for me to make plays using my hands more instead of just handing the ball off to me.
How have you prepared for this role with a focus on your technique and skills?
I have been going to the field to workout and inviting the guys to join me. We work on what we need to when we are together. For me, it is my route running. I have been working on my quickness and agility to get away from defenders.
Turning to defense, I know you guys were executing a 4-3 with a Cover 4 in the secondary. Are there any changes to the plan ahead of the upcoming season?
This season we will be running a 3-5 that looks like a 3-3. We have three defensive linemen, three linebackers and two hybrids that are the safeties.
What has been your focus on this side of the ball over the fall and winter months?
My footwork to cut faster and my man coverage. At linebacker, you did not need to worry as much with your coverage, it was more about playing the hole and going downhill.
As mentioned previously, I was impressed by all that you did on the field in 2019 and with your strength and conditioning. What have you been doing to get your legs and lungs strong to run at top speed for four quarters during the season?
I have been doing workouts with a cardio base, even when I am lifting weights. I go lighter, sure, but I keep the heart pumping. For running and conditioning, I go to the field and sprint routes. After a play, I try to get back to the line fast to practice a game situation and to get ready to run another route.
What are some of the workouts you’ve been doing to increase your overall strength?
Because of COVID, we cannot lift at school. I live five minutes away from strength coach. In his garage he has a gym, he has been giving workouts to help me improve my overall strength.
Have you attended any camps and/or played 7v7 or with a club team over the fall or winter months?
I am joining a club team in San Diego, as the ball gets rolling down there. That is what I will do to stay ready for a real season.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
I talk to Stanford every so often. Yale, their coaches are following me and DM-ing me on Twitter They are promoting their school when we communicate. I just got an offer from Columbia, that was awesome. Purdue is interested, and I am talking to Oregon State on Twitter via DM. Air Force is keeping in touch as well.
Getting that offer from Columbia, what was that moment like for you?
It was a fantastic feeling because they see me for football and for my academics. Academically, Columbia is hard to get into. That was awesome to know they see me for football and academics. The campus is beautiful. I have been researching them. They are a top priority on my list.
Sticking with that, which schools might you visit when campuses open back up in the coming weeks and months?
I’d like to go to visit Columbia, Stanford, Oregon State, and Boise State – the schools that are interested in me.
Hunter, it was great getting some more time in with you today. Wishing you success with the club team this winter.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Roddy family; Hunter Roddy