Interview: Chaminade 2019 LB Blake Antzoulatos Attracting Attention after 125 Tackle Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Sports fans love statistics because the numbers can relay whole lot of information in a short amount of time giving a keen insight to given time frame be it a game or a season. Sports fans and college coaches alike are taking in the information Blake Antzoulatos is putting out with great results all the way around.
Antzoulatos had a breakout sophomore season for Chaminade High School after putting an end to 125 plays with 45 solo stops. The big tackle line was reinforced with 11 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two sacks, and an interception. All of the big plays helped a talented Eagles squad finish the 2016 schedule 8-4 with their rising star earning second team All-Mission League honors.
College coaches love scouring the Los Angeles area for football talent. Being in a recruiting hotbed has led to a lot of interest coming Antzoulatos’ way already. Staffs like Stanford, Washington, Cal, Northwestern, and UCLA are looking into the 6-2, 210 pound, talent. A closer look at Antzoulatos shows a linebacker with a great motor using his 4.6 speed to chase down plays sideline to sideline. Next level potential is already there with Antzoulatos showing big play and big hit abilities. Collegiate linebacker coaches love the passion Antzoulatos brings to the Mike position.
Coming off a strong showing at the Los Angeles Nike Opening Regional, I sat down for a one-on-one Q&A interview with Antzoulatos covering his sophomore season, off-season goals, and recruiting process.
Interview
Blake, you had a fantastic season racking up 125 total tackles in 2016. How did you prepare for your sophomore year?
“Really I just focused on getting stronger and quicker.”
Your passion for the game comes through watching you. What fires you up out on the field?
“I don’t know how to explain it. I love to compete.”
How did your game improve over the season?
“As the season started, I freaked out a little in the first game. After that I built upon that experience. I slowed down more and played the game as I knew how. From game to game, I got better and more comfortable. After the first game I really started filling the holes and stopping the run.”
Who was the toughest lineman or running back you faced last season?
“I would have to say the toughest I faced last year was Chuck Wick (2018 running back) from St. Bonaventure.”
How did that match-up help you get better?
“It made me better because it made me realize I was facing one of the top running backs in southern California. I realized that if I can hang with him and force fumbles I can compete against anyone. That game was a confidence builder.”
You played against a really good one in practice all season long. How did lining up across TJ Pledger (4-star 2018 RB now at IMG Academy) help your game?
“TJ in practice was the biggest thing. That made me a better player overall. He’s a great player.”
What honors did you earn after last season?
“I was second team All-Mission League and Defensive Rookie of the Year (team).”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on getting a lot faster and a lot stronger.”
For this off-season to have been successful what all will you have to accomplish?
“This off-season the main thing for me is going into Game 1 playing how I know I can play.”
Are you playing on a 7-on-7 team this off-season?
“I am with my high school team.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this off-season?
“I have. My bench is 275, squat 410, deadlift 405, and my clean is 300.”
Impressive. What camps have you attended so far this spring?
“So far I have attended the Nike Opening (LA).”
How did the Nike camp go?
“It went really well. I had a great time. I think I performed really well.”
Which upcoming camps might you attend?
“I am planning on attending camps with Stanford, UCLA, Northwestern, and possibly Cal.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Stanford, Northwestern, Washington, UCLA, and Cal.”
Other than the camps you may attend, do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“No. Not yet.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.7.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math or science.”
Is there a player at an upper level player that you watch to learn more about the game?
“One linebacker I look at is Luke Kuechly (Carolina Panthers). I really like how he can stop the run and cover the pass. He does it all. He is big and fast and nimble enough to pick the ball off and return it.”
Blake, thanks for your time today and good luck with all your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Alex Solter; No. 32 Blake Antzoulatos in action.
Great Article. I know this kid 🙂 (personally) No one works harder or is more kind and humble. Team always comes first with Blake. Going back to his pop warner days, Blake proved to be a standout, not only for his performance on the field, but as well as his actions off the field. A brief example of his leadership and big heart is when immediately after winning the league championship game, all of his team was celebrating center field, but Blake could not be found. When off to the opposing losing team sideline, he was spotted consoling a competitor player who had injured his leg during the game. Those are things that usually go un-noticed, but tell big time about ones character. Blake is the total package !