2020 PFN Player Profiles: Rocco Iacino, Hickory @Rocco_Iacino9 @BillBillDungee @HSD_Athletics

Tagged under: District 10, News, Player Previews

Shane Lux | June 27, 2020

Rocco Iacino
Hickory High School
Class of 2021
Head Coach: Bill Dungee
Position: TE/LB
6’1″ 221lbs
Twitter: @Rocco_Iacino9

What made you choose football?

I have enjoyed playing sports my whole life. I had fallen in love with watching football on tv, so I decided to start playing football in 2nd grade, which was the earliest it was offered.

What’s your favorite football memory?

It would have to be listening to The Godfather theme song, Speak Softly Love, on the way to football practice with my dad when I was a kid. This memory carries over to a pregame ritual of mine, where I listen to the song before every game.

What activities do you enjoy outside of playing football?

Outside of football, I enjoy working out. I incorporate exercises from all different disciplines into my training, whether that be powerlifting, bodybuilding, sprinting, martial arts, and of course, football.

What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of?

I have made the honor roll every semester of my high school career.

Who is your favorite athlete, and why?

Dick Butkus is my favorite athlete. He was an inside linebacker, like me, but most importantly, he was tough as nails. The fear he put into his opponents was unmatched, and I always find myself watching old videos of his most brutal tackles.

What has been the most difficult part of training during the pandemic, and how did you overcome it?

Throughout the pandemic, I have been lucky enough to train in a garage gym. The gym had less equipment than what I was used to, but with the proper programming, I was able to put myself through 4 rigorous workouts a week and two sprint sessions with only a power rack, adjustable bench, barbell, and weight plates.

Do you prefer offense or defense?

I have played both sides of the ball for the majority of my football career but have always preferred defense. There is just something special about the toughness and physicality that comes with the defensive side of the ball.

Who is your biggest role model?

My parents are my biggest role models. Both of them have set an excellent example of how to grow up, work hard, and be a good person.

What are your parents most likely to yell from the stands?

My parents are always cheering hard, whether it be yelling words of encouragement, screaming my name, or rooting for the rest of the team and me.

What are your team and personal goals for the season?

As a team, the plan is always to win a championship. We will work hard to repeat as region champs, battle through the District 10 competition, and run the gauntlet to secure a win at Hershey.

If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would you choose?

General George S. Patton, Julius Caesar, and Brian Bosworth

What hobby do you have that might surprise people?

A surprising hobby of mine would be cooking. I eat five meals a day, and I prepare them all myself. I do this not only because I like making the food, but also because I have control over what I consume.

What’s your favorite sport, other than football, to play or watch?

Basketball. I have played an organized form of basketball ever since I was three years old. However, most recently, before the start of my junior season, I decided to hit the weight room this winter instead. This was because I needed to build my body back up from a collarbone injury I had sustained during a 7-on-7 scrimmage in the summer.

What is one thing you hope other players can learn from you?

I would hope other players would see how driven I am to achieve my goals. I pride myself on being a disciplined and hardworking person, and I hope that my others can learn from that.

What does Hickory have to do to win a D10 title this year?

Continue to work hard during offseason summer workouts and put the trust in our coaches and each other.

What is your favorite TV show?

NFL Network’s A Football Life

What is your favorite movie?

The Godfather

What is your favorite subject in school?

Biology and Chemistry

What music do you listen to?

A wide variety ranging from both new and old music, my favorite artist is Billy Joel.

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