2025 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Cedar Cliff LB/TE Will Kocher
Tagged under: District 3, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | July 10, 2025
Will Kocher
Linebacker, Tight End
Cedar Cliff
Class Of 2026
Jersey #41
HT/WT 6’1, 220
Team leader in total tackles (87) 8.7 tackles per game, Team leader in sacks (4), Top 5 in the Commonwealth for total tackles.
Other sportsBaseball (6A State Champs)
Honorable mention – Mid Penn team
Twitter @Will_Kocher
Coach says: “Will was the leader of our defensive front seven his junior year at inside linebacker. Will is a physical, downhill run stopper in our defense. Will has a great nose for the football and is an excellent tackler in the open field. We will look for Will to anchor our run defense and continue to develop his abilities in pass coverage in 2025”.
Let’s get to know Will!
Why do you play football?
I play football because I love everything about it. I play for the aggression and pure physicality of the sport. It’s more than just a game when I’m out there with the same friends I’ve played with my whole life on the big 6A stage.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m looking forward to when it’s about an hour before game time and we’re in the locker room getting ready as a team. It’s the last chance for me to gather my own thoughts in a calm environment before we get the energy up for the game.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
Ray Lewis, I love the way he played the game, his intensity, his aggression, and his iq on the field.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
It was our home game against Carlisle. It was an RPO around their 25-yard line when I get an in call from my outside linebacker on the guy I noticed in film that constantly ran shallow crossing routes that were wide open on other teams films. As he was crossing the field I stepped up and put him on the ground. When the QB read that his check down wasn’t there he scrambled out of the pocket to the wide side and I chased him down stopping a possible 20-yard gain.
What was last years season like for you?
Personally, it was a very successful season. I recorded 87 tackles which is a personal best. I filled run gaps physically and aggressively. When our other middle linebacker got injured I had to step up as our singular true Mike linebacker for the rest of the season. Although it was different I think I responded and adapted very well. Defensively overall we were solid and our run defense was very strong. As a team, we would have liked to have recorded more wins.
What are your goals for this coming season?
I aim to be an All conference linebacker, lead my team defensively to the playoffs, and surpass 100 tackles in the regular season.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
Rico Scott
When the game is on the line, which college/professional coach would you like to call in the play?
Nick Saban
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Neyland Stadium night game.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
The Philadelphia Eagles
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite was our game against Altoona. This game meant a lot to me because they ran the same wing T triple option offense that Cocalico ran when we lost in playoffs the year before. I did very well that game with a career high in tackles and it felt very good to come out with a win against that offense.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
I would watch The Blind Side because Michael was always overlooked until his family took him in and it shows how everyone deserves a chance.
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
Way to get in there!
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
I would love to be coached by Nick Saban for a season. Watching his press conferences and hearing how he taught his team. His mentality is rare and I would love the opportunity to be a part of that.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
I look up to Ray Lewis. I want to be like him on the field because of his play style and how he loves and studied the game.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Dirt Bike racing
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
In The Net Championship game with the Jr Colts travel baseball team. There was a fly ball hit out to center field and we collided trying to catch the ball. I remember laughing out in the outfield while our coach came running just to find us laughing.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
I would say my grandparents, they travel all over the place to see me play. They’re always waiting for me after games and would do anything to see me be successful. Another fan of mine who isn’t quite family but is close enough is my freshman football linebacker coach, Coach Tirado. Back in freshman football, he really took the time to teach me how to play linebacker. He’s at every game watching me and talking through plays on the sideline with me. He helped make me the player I am today and he shares the same love for the game I do.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
I’m either fishing or hunting. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed, I go with my dad and brother and it’s just time to unwind and relax away from everything.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
Winning our home game against Central Dauphin, it was our first ever 6A football game and there were lots of words being said on their end pre game.
What is your favorite play to run?
A double A gap blitz
What scares you the most?
Something happening that might keep me from achieving my goals for this season.
Music of choice:
Country
What was your favorite gift as a little boy? Why?
Personalized football socks with my number on them from my grandma so she could see me during a game.
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
Steak and eggs from the Summit
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Long Beach Island, NJ
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
It was a Penn state game that I went to when I was a little kid. My mom has always had season tickets and go every year.
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