Interview with Louisiana Parkway High School CB Lloyd Cole
Written by Charlie Beuttel
The Parkway Panthers in Bossier City, Louisiana has had two successful seasons in the past two years including making it all the way to 2013 Louisiana 5A State Championship Game. Unfortunately Parkway had to forfeit five wins from last year due to playing an ineligible player. The Panthers have many talented players all over the field including quite a few Division-I prospects.
One major strength of the Panthers team is their secondary led by cornerback Lloyd Cole. The Class of 2016 recruit has great speed that he uses while he looks for an opportunity to hit a ball carrier. The 5’11”, 190 pound, speedster accumulated 56 tackles and defended 11 passes last season.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview we sat down with Lloyd and talked with him about his high school career and his recruiting process.
First off congratulations on another nice season in 2014. What are your thoughts on the season?
“We had a successful season but we’ll bounce back in 2015.”
Parkway had to forfeit five wins last year. What were your thoughts when you heard that news?
“It made us want to go out and play harder then we ever did. It was unfortunate.”
What were your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?
“I think that I grew over season. I learned more about my position. I still have more to learn but I think my performance was satisfactory.”
What are your strengths on the field?
“My speed. I am one of the fastest on the team. I love to get to the ball and I have a good motor. I look for the opportunity to hit someone when I can.”
What camps have you attended?
“Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, TCU, Baylor and Louisiana Tech.
Will you attend any more camps this summer?
“Vanderbilt, another Louisiana-Lafayette camp and Central Arkansas.”
Which schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Central Arkansas, Navy, Memphis and Baylor. Louisiana-Lafayette and TCU are recruiting me as a safety. I’ve also talked to coaches from Vanderbilt and Louisiana-Monroe.”
Have you received any offers?
“Just Central Arkansas at this time.”
Have you made any visits?
“Louisiana-Monroe and Memphis. I’m also trying to visit TCU.”
What kind of feedback have you received from these schools?
“Very positive feedback. I’ve performed well at camps.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“My footwork.”
Looking ahead to the 2015 season what game are you most looking forward to on Parkway’s schedule?
“Definitely Bastrop it’s been competitive the last two years. Also Evangel, who is new to 5A this year and Byrd which is a good game every year.”
What do you think about playing Gladewater in the Battle on the Border event at Independence Stadium?
“They are a good team. I’m hoping to learn more about them. It’s going to be really fun. It’s exciting to play in that event.”
How does Parkway look going into the season?
“I think we are looking really good. We have seniors stepping into leadership roles. We are all ready to play.”
What motivates you to give 100 percent effort on the football field?
“My family and knowing that I’m held accountable for what I do.”
Photo credit: 247sports; Lloyd Cole at TCU
Photo credit: Megan Colgin; Lloyd Cole on the sidelines with Parkway Panthers