Interview: High Expectations Following 2018 SS Lance Tiangco to Norco High School
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Lance Tiangco was a standout performer for Notre Dame High School during the 2016 season. Playing strong and free safety for the Titans, he helped his Riverside area squad to a 9-4 record by stopping the run and denying opposing passing attacks. The heat on the schedule bumps up several notches for Tiangco after a transfer from Notre Dame to Norco High School, placing him firmly in the middle of a California Division-II state title contender.
Complete stats were not posted for Notre Dame High School at the end of last season, but Tiangco did put an end to 55 plays, at least 37 solo, with five tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, four passes denied, and one interception. The play on the field has drawn the recruiting eye of Washington State, San Jose State, and Eastern Washington, among others, thus far with an offer being extended from Western New Mexico.
If college coaches had questions about Tiangco’s ability to influence a game, all questions will be answered after Norco’s 2017 schedule is completed. The opening three games are as tough as it gets with a trip to Servite, a home contest against Rancho Cucamonga, and another road venture to Orange Lutheran. If playing two Trinity League teams on the road and a home game against end of season MaxPreps No. 26 team in the nation, No. 7 in California, was not enough, Big VIII League teams like Corona, Santiago, and Roosevelt will be challenging. But, the feather in the cap game comes in Week 9 with a trip down the road to rival Centennial, MaxPrep’s preseason No. 10 ranked team in the country.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Corona area talent learning more about his play on the field, his new role with the Cougars, and his off-season workouts.
Interview
Playing with Notre Dame High School, what was your favorite coverage to run as a safety?
“I like Cover 3 a lot and playing man.”
Since you played both, which do you like playing best, free or strong safety?
“I like strong safety. At free safety, it is not as much fun. At strong safety, the position is more physical.”
How did your coverage skills improve last season?
“They improved a lot. Working with Pro Way (7v7) helped my coverage skills a lot.”
How have you been working to improve your game this off-season?
“This off-season I have been working on a whole lot of everything – my speed, strength, technique, my breaks, and my hips. I’ve really worked hard on being more explosive out of my breaks.”
When did you transfer from Notre Dame High School to Norco?
“In July.”
Where all might we see you play during your senior year with Norco?
“Strong safety, free safety, and at the nickel. I will be on kickoffs on special teams.”
Before you transferred, did any college programs come by Notre Dame to meet with you or watch you practice this spring?
“Yes. Washington State, Hawaii, UNLV, Portland State, and Columbia came by to see me.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“I went to a Washington State camp, an Azusa Pacific camp, and USC’s Rising Stars.”
Of the camps, which camp did you turn in your best performance?
“Washington State was my best one.”
What did you do well at the Cougars’ camp to make that one your best?
“My one-on-ones – I had two picks and only one pass caught on me. I also got a pick in 7v7.”
Going into the classroom, at the end of your junior season, what is your cumulative GPA now?
“3.4”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“I have taken the ACT. I scored a 23.”
Nice. Looking towards your senior year – have you started practicing with Norco yet?
“Yes. I am the starting safety for Norco.”
How does Norco look going into the 2017 season?
“We look great. At every practice, we get after each other.”
Are you excited to go full-pads in fall camp?
“Heck yeah. I don’t like shorts.”
Is there a game or two above the rest you are excited to play?
“I’m excited to play Servite, Orange Lutheran, Roosevelt, and Centennial.”
How will you prepare for each game throughout the week this season?
“For each game, I watch a lot of film and go over each receiver. I watch to see how they run their routes and how they get off on a pass or a run. On a running play, they do not get off the same for a pass. I watch their linemen to see if they are leaning to get a key.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“I plan to have 70-plus tackles, five picks, and two pick sixes.”
Lance, good luck with your senior season at Norco. It should be an exciting one.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 5 Lance Tiangco pre-snap (2016)
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 33 Lance Tiangco at Norco (Aug. 2017)