Interview: Chaminade 2019 LB Blake Antzoulatos has Ability to be Among Tops in California Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As the game of football continues its evolution to morph around the wide use of the Spread offense, the change is putting unique demands on linebackers set to stop the attack. Whether on the inside or outside, the first goal of a linebacker is to stop the run but now all linebackers must be able to cover in the passing game beyond dropping back into their zone. One rising California talent seemingly capable of doing it all at the highest of levels is Blake Antzoulatos.

The 2016 season was a coming out party for Antzoulatos putting black ink all over the spreadsheet with 125 tackles, 45 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two sacks, and an interception. The coming out party helped Chaminade end the year 8-4 with their standout linebacker earning second team All-Mission League honors and the team Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With Antzoulatos and a roster loaded full of next level prospects, the Eagles enter the season with a MaxPreps national ranking of No. 28, which translates to No. 7 in the Golden State.

Interest in the 6-2, 210 pound, Los Angeles area product was slow to get rolling even with top programs like Stanford, USC, Washington, Cal, UCLA, and Northwestern taking a closer look. On Aug. 15, Antzoulatos earned his first Division-I offer from Nevada. A closer look at Antzoulatos shows a recruit with a big motor, good strength and speed, and a punisher of ball carriers. All is setting up for Antzoulatos to be one of the bigger breakout stars among his peer group during the upcoming season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Antzoulatos finding out about his offseason workouts, his offer from Nevada, and his thoughts on the Eagles’ 2017 season.

Interview

Blake, how has fall camp gone for you so far?

“Fall camp has gone great. I have worked out some kinks with my game and, as a team, we have filled in spots.”

Where all will we see you on the field this season?

“This year I will be at the weak-side inside-linebacker spot. I’m ready. I am better and stronger this year and faster too.”

Which areas of your game did you work on over the summer?

“This summer I worked a lot on my run tracks. I also worked on understanding the game more, my speed, weight, and strength. I also worked on my pass rush and my moves getting past blockers.”

With all the offseason work put into your game, with the pads on, what strides in your game are showing great improvement?

“My quickness, my ability to read the play, and getting there faster. My play on the field is night and day from last year. I’m making plays in the backfield. With my hitting, I feel like I have gotten a lot stronger. I am making tackles I would not normally make last year.”

Did you max out in the weight room this offseason?

“I did. I lifted 285 on bench, 435 on squat, 455 deadlift, and 335 on clean.”

Some fantastic numbers there.

“Thank you.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yeah. I went to Wisconsin, Northwestern, USC, and Stanford camps.”

Which was your best performance camp?

“Stanford was my best because it was my second full-pads camp after Wisconsin. I felt comfortable and I was ready to go.”

What did you do well at the Stanford camp to stand out from the others?

“At the Stanford camp, I was covering the slot, running back, and tight end well. I was physical off the line without a flag and staying with them in coverage.”

Nevada just offered you, how did the Nevada staff notify you of the offer?

“I was in class when I was told I need to call Coach (Matt) Kirk (safeties coach) from Nevada at 11:30. I told my teacher I needed to make an important phone call. I gave Coach Kirk a call as he was running into a meeting. He told me, ‘This is Coach Kirk from UNR, you have an offer from Nevada. Congrats’.”

When you received the offer, what was going through your mind?

“I was honestly speechless. It was such a great feeling and great moment.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this summer?

“I went to UCLA for their BBQ to meet the coaches and talk to Coach (Scott) White (linebackers).”

Do you have any visits planned for this fall?

“None so far for this fall.”

Back to the 2017 season, how is Chaminade’s defense looking in fall camp?

“We are looking really good. Our D-line has grown. They will be the main part of our defense. Our linebacker corps is looking good, our DBs too. We will have a great defense this year. Our defense will rival any other if not be the best in Mission League.”

The Eagles start the season off with three very challenging games. Have you started preparing for those games yet?

“Definitely, I started watching film on Oaks Christian. That is Game 1 at home. We have to protect our turf. I have not seen film on Mountain Point (Arizona) yet. With (St. John) Bosco, I will wait to get their film. We face some great competition. I am excited to see what we can do.”

Have you set any personal or team goals for the season?

“Our goal is to win league, that is the big one. The other is to go undefeated at home. Those are the two big ones for me.”

Last question, did you do anything fun this summer that was not football related, if so, what did you do?

“Let me think… Went to my brother’s hockey tournaments. I love watching him play. Good to see him rumble it up there.”

Blake, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: twitter.com; Blake Antzoulatos (right) with Michael Wilson (center) and Andrew Van Buren (left)

Photo credit: twitter.com; Blake Antzoulatos with Northwestern RC Bryan Payton