The Scout
Loftin is an impressive prospect on the hoof. He measured in at 6-4, 250 pounds during his official visit last week, and he has seen his game grow as he has physically.
“Well, to start out, the first time I ever saw him pass rush, my jaw dropped open,” Somerville Head Coach Matt Bloom told Volquest. “I had never seen someone look that natural rushing the passer as a sophomore when I first saw him. Just incredible understanding. Having so many moves so young and being so natural.”
Loftin’s ability to bend around tackles and play at the same fast-paced level is certainly a reason that he has received so much college interest over the last eight months or so no. He is long, disruptive and a natural athlete that makes plays at the prep level. However, the added weight to his long frame has certainly helped his game evolve.
“I think if you look at the beginning of his sophomore year and a little bit of his junior year, he was kind of a smaller player that we didn’t expect to go out and set the run that much, but now with his size and the strength he has, we are looking for him to play at the point of attack all the time and shut people down.”
While the on-field growth has been evident, Bloom has been impressed by Loftin’s ability as a leader as well.
“He is our strongest kid in the weight room, and he leads from the front,” he said of this. “He is a guy that is always holding people to the standard. He is known for not only his numbers but his work ethic. That has really grown and is one of his best assets. He is one of the most respectful kids I have ever met.”
-M Ray