Interview: 3-Star 2021 Los Angeles DE Josh Long has Recruiting Visits in Mind
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Whichever college football programs receives the signed National Letter of Intent from Class of 2021 talent Josh Long is getting a true defensive end. At 6-5, 220, Long has the get-off, pad level, speed and quickness, and motor that all defensive coordinators love. The Loyola High School standout worked for a lower-end estimated stat line of 67 tackles, 19 solo, with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries in 11 games against Mission League competition. The other thing Long has going his way, a tremendous amount of potential, and that upside coupled with his current productivity on the field has landed the three-star recruit five D-I offers.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Long steps inside the RNG Lab covering his offseason workouts with an update on his recruiting options.
*Click link for Nov. 26, 2019, RNG interview with Josh Long
Interview
Josh, when the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were your skills as a defensive end going against Mission League competition?
“My skills were being able to identify schemes and my pass rush; I have been working on that this offseason. Another strength was digging deep having more energy for the next play.”
Over the offseason, what have you been working on with the technical parts of your game?
“This offseason I have been working on my hands. It is a fist fight when you are on the line going against offensive linemen. I have also been working on my speed by running hills and doing beach workouts. At the beach you have to use all your leg muscles.”
Have you been working on any new moves?
“Yes. I have been working on cross-chop; it is like what Aaron Donald (Rams) does.”
A minute ago you touched on this, drilling deeper, what have you been doing besides running hills and on sand to increase your speed and agility?
“Ladders, jump rope, box squats, and Bulgarian squats, I have been doing my best to increase my leg power.”
During the quarantine, what has been your daily workout routine?
“Push-ups and sit-ups in the morning, and there is a park close by. I go workout with my defensive line coach at the park. When I am at the park, I do laps and I do inchworms up the hills.”
Tell me about the inchworms.
“You lay out flat then scoot your feet to your chest, and do that up and down the hill. It is like a bear crawl, but once your feet get up to your chest area, then you roll your arms back out like a wheel barrel.”
That would be challenging up and down a hill. Looking to the 2020 season, what roles are you taking on for the Cubs?
“This year you will see me on both sides of the ball, some at tight end and at defensive end.”
What have you been doing as a tight end to get ready for the season?
“I have been working out with my quarterback and offensive coordinator running routes and going over plays.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Oregon State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Cal.”
Nice. And how many offers do you have now?
“Five: Nevada, Arizona State, Kansas, UNLV, and New Mexico.”
This summer or fall, are there any planned visits you may take official or unofficial?
“Yes. I am thinking about taking unofficial visits to Nevada and UNLV, we will see how it goes from there.”
Last question for you. What goals have you set for yourself for this summer and/or for the 2020 season?
“For myself, by the time the season starts I want to be around 225 to 230. I want to see how it looks on me and go from there, while increasing my speed. This next season, I want to be a dominating force.”
Josh, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Loyola HS/Long family; Josh Long (2019)