Interview: Taking on All Competition, 2022 OL Hayden Zepp Manhandles Florida Defenders
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The weight room maxes help tell the on the field story of Class of 2022 offensive lineman Hayden Zepp. With a bench max at 405, a 545 on squat, and 275 pounds on cleans, the 6-3, 300-pound, guard was moving Florida defenders around with ease throughout the 2020 season. Whether opening up holes for his Northside Christian (St. Pete) running backs or keeping the jersey of his quarterback pristine, Zepp did not disappoint, even against top teams like Carrollwood Day.
Zepp is putting in the extra work and time this spring preparing for the Mustangs’ 2021 season along with various college camp appearances. For a rundown on his skills and workouts, Zepp stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Hayden, you were absolutely crushing defensive linemen throughout the 2020 season dominating whoever was lining up against you. Opposing defensive linemen had to see the game reel ahead of playing the Mustangs. How did D-tackles start off against you knowing how you were throwing guys around like ragdolls?
It depended on the team. They wouldn’t say anything but you can see it in his eyes, he knows what is coming. They softened up as the game went on but I kept pounding them into the ground.
Did you guys track pancakes and/or knockdowns?
No, we did not track pancakes, but I had the most on the team.
Me asking you to guess, about how many per game were you getting?
I’d say probably four to five pancakes per game with knockdowns, seven to eight. It all depended on the team we were playing. Against Carrollwood Day, all their defensive linemen were committed to Power 5 schools. In some games I’d have as many as 10, it was a joke.
Carrollwood Day game was a great opportunity to see where you were at as a top offensive lineman. How did that game go for you personally?
It went really well. I did not give up any sacks. It was nice to play against kids of that caliber with all their offers. That game put confidence in me that I can hang at the next level.
What offensive scheme were you guys running?
We ran a Spread, but we were more pass heavy. I prefer run blocking but we had a good passing offense. Our quarterback (Scott Lynch) was fifth in the state in passing yards with over 2,500 yards and over 30 passing touchdowns. We are a pass heavy offense and we are a no huddle offense as well.
As that interior lineman, how did your run blocking improve in 2020?
Compared to last year, I moved to guard this year, I was getting off better. I got stronger and put on more pounds in the offseason making it easier to move guys around.
That you did. As mentioned, you guys threw a lot giving amble opportunities for you to get reps on your pass-pro. How did that part of you game take steps forward?
I moved to guard from tackle, it got better. I gave up one sack all season. This offseason I am working with a guy in Tampa, Ray McNeal, I do my pass-pro work over there.
Did you get any snaps on defense during the 2020 season?
On goal line plays. My total snaps on defense were maybe 30 at defensive tackle. It depended on the team we were playing and the caliber of their offensive line.
Looking at the 2021 season, where all might you line up then?
Right now, on offense for sure at guard or center. It depends on how many kids we get if I play defense.
What are you working this offseason with the technical parts of your game on offense?
With my run and pass block, my punch, getting better with both, my steps, and footwork with pass block.
In the weight room, what are some of the lifts you are doing to increase your overall strength?
Squatting, bench, and hang clean.
Have you maxed out this offseason?
Yes, I am squatting 545, my bench is 405, and my clean is 275.
What are you doing to increase your footspeed and agility?
Working with my coaches for 1.5 hours every day. I am working the bag, cones, and agility drills to make sure my feet are still moving. This offseason I have gained some pounds going from 280 to 300. I am making sure I can still move.
Are there any camps coming up you may attend?
I went to one at Carrollwood Day already. There is a West Florida camp coming up and Purdue is inviting me to a camp. In June I may go to a UCF camp.
Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
A 3.05. I am making a 3.75 this year; it should keep going up.
Let’s talk some recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Purdue, Toledo, UCF, UWF (West Florida) and I just saw a coach from Southeastern University. Montana State, Fordham, Samford, Alabama, Rice, UNC-Charlotte, Akron, and USF are also showing interest.
*Right after this interview was conducted, Zepp earned an offer from Southeastern University
Are there any recruiting visits you may take this summer?
I am planning on visiting Purdue and UWF. I might do some more.
Hayden, I thank you for your time today and wish you great success at all the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Zepp family; Hayden Zepp