GB Student Lions Interviews: Defensive End Lloyd Scott

Name: Lloyd Scott

University: Portsmouth

GB Number: 99

Lloyd (#99) is put through his paces by asst Linebacker Coach Fabrizio Gargiulo

DC: First off, congratulations on being named to the travelling squad for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program vs Sweden Students. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying to trial to now?

The selection process has been tough with so many quality players applying, there where over 40 guys trying to get 5 D line-men spots so competition has been massive. But it has been amazing to be a part of, the process was very professional and unlike anything I have done before.

DC: With the relatively short period of time between trials and going to Sweden, with limited training which has been affected by the weather, how have preparations gone going into Saturday’s game? 

The progression of the team has been incredibly quick considering barriers such as time, and weather. The coaches have done an amazing job on installation. You could see the progression every session the team had, even differences between a morning session followed by the afternoons.

DC: Has it been difficult juggling different playbooks being in BUAFL season, and how has the install gone on the Great Britain Program?

Thankfully the play book for me has been the same, so I had no real issues learning or understanding the plays. The install has gone well with players all adapting to the philosophy the coaches where looking for fairly quickly.

Scott watches as the Defensive Line work through drills

DC: How has the Great Britain Program measured up to you own university program?

The standard is completely different from coaching to playing levels. With the best players from individual teams being picked the standard rises well above what you see during BUAFL. And the coaching is amazing I have learned a lot during the few training sessions we have had, the staff are from some of the best set ups in the country and this shows in the levels of coaching.

DC: There are lots of high quality athletes on the squad has anyone really stood out in your opinion? 

With the quality being so high across the board it would be difficult for me to name just one person. However to name a group the running backs overall are exceptionable talented athletes.

DC: As, well as quality athletes Coach Hill has put together a top notch staff. Do you feel the coaching has helped you progress as a player?

The coaching has been exceptional, and I feel I have progressed massively during the small number of sessions we have had as a result, and hope the progress continues. It really shows quality coaching is just as important as raw athletic ability.

DC: What are your expectations of the game this weekend vs Sweden?

I have very high hopes for the game on Saturday, we have trained and worked hard at every given opportunity. And we are going with the intention of winning, and I really think we can go and get the win.

DC: Finally, with the World Student Championships being played in Sweden in 2014, what are you thoughts and what would you say to any university player wanting to be on that squad next year?

The student championships is a sign of real growth internationally of american football, and shows the sport is gathering larger public support. The championships will also be invaluable in attracting more people to the sport if a Great Britain team is entered into the championships. 

For any one wanting to be a part of the team next year, train hard and use the championships as a goal to strive for, competition for spots next year will be massive so training hard will be the only way to make the team.