2025 Interview with Ayden Hockenbroch from Southern Columbia (PA)

 

Ayden Hockenbroch

Southern Columbia

Quarterback

2027

5’11”, 180 lbs.

Jersey Number: 13

Awards won or earned:

Black Diamond Sports Network Diamond in the Rough

SECV8 Player of the Game

News Item Honorable Mention

HUDL LINK: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qjhev

Other sports played:

Baseball

Post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice.

After the practice before our first game against Wyomissing, I was told that I did not win the starting quarterback job. Two fumbled snaps to start the game, with one of them being lost, quickly gave me my opportunity. I ended the game 8 for 15 with 135 yards and 2 touchdowns. Even though we lost the game, I was grateful that my work paid off and I earned the starting job.

After watching your Hudl package, it was easy to see you have enough speed to leave the defense in the dust, a quality arm that gets the ball downfield quickly, and you appear to be very physical. So how would you describe your style of play?

One of the best compliments I ever received was that I was fun to watch. I try to just do my best and have fun so that the game itself just falls into place. I feel that this is also when I play my best.

How long have you been a quarterback?

I’ve been playing quarterback since 4th grade, so this upcoming season will be my 8th year.

Who or what got you started playing football?

Mike Garcia was the first one to get me into flag football the spring before Joel Knoebel, the new head coach for Montgomery, asked me to play tackle football. I played multiple sports with both of their kids.

What are your goals for the season?

16 wins, and I want to win a state championship.

What goals are you setting for your team?

The team’s goal every year is to win a state championship. It has become the Southern Columbia standard, and every kid on the team knows how hard we have to work for it.

What type of defense do you like facing the most?

Every game, we see a stacked box, and it is amazing to watch them struggle against our wing-T offensive scheme. Our offense is designed so well with ball fakes and blocking schemes, so it is funny to watch the film and see linebackers and D-linemen running the opposite way of the play.

What has been your biggest moment as a football player?

My first ever varsity touchdown against Wyomissing stands out the most. We went down big early, and I felt that I lit a spark for my team. The energy from the sideline and fans was insane.

What has been your most embarrassing moment as an athlete?

My freshman year, when I injured my elbow, I had to walk across the field by myself after everyone else ran through the banner before the start of the game. I had to do it for most of the season and absolutely dreaded it.

What have you done during the off-season to help you become a better player?

Lifting, speed and agility, fieldwork, and running. I work as hard as possible so that I am as prepared as possible when it comes to game time.

What part of your game do you believe is the strongest?

I feel that my vision and ball placement are the strongest parts of my game. I can see small windows and open space to throw the ball into and give my guys opportunities to make plays. Chemistry plays a big role in this.

What are three reasons you play football?

1. I love the competitive aspect of football.

2. I enjoy the struggle and challenges involved within the game.

3. I get to have fun, win, and lose with all of my friends.

What makes you a good teammate?

I feel that I am good at talking to my teammates after they make a mistake. I have failed over and over and know what it feels like. It’s important to keep everyone in the game; you can learn from mistakes, but there is no benefit in dwelling on them.

What is your go-to snack?

Chocolate chip cookies—I love baking and make some mean chocolate chip cookies.

Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?

I recently started buying and selling sports cards. A bunch of my friends are into it, and I have a lot of fun doing it.

What is the one state you would love to visit for the first time?

Colorado, I’m a big fan of mountains, so it would be really cool to see the best.

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