Interview: Do Everything 2018 Offensive Talent Antoine Paul Prepping for Big Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce
Twitter: RJPSports
There are a lot of hidden football talents in California’s Mount Baldy League, but none may invoke as much awe with their play as Antoine Paul. The Class of 2018 offensive standout is a true speed burner making opposing defenses look foolish over the last two seasons with one more year of embarrassment to dole out.
When there is a rainstorm in the Ontario area, one can safely assume Paul would not get wet walking around. The 5-8, 165 pound, talent sprinted, cut, and broke ankles on his way to a 1,250-yard rushing season with 10 scores in 2016. Beyond impressing with a 9.8 yard per carry average, he further showcased his skillset in the passing attack securing 18 passes for 335 yards with four additional scores. If that was not enough, Paul also returned eight kicks for 185 yards and flipped the field as a defensive back putting an end to 25 plays.
The breakout season for Paul was not surprising for those familiar with the Ontario High School football program. During his sophomore season, Paul put an end to 34 plays with a fumble recovery, a pick, and blocked two kicks. On offense, he stormed the field for 665 yards off 80 totes scoring 10 times. The consistency on the field in 2015 and 2016 led to Paul snagging his first college offer on Monday coming from Howard. The boost in recruiting attention this spring could land offers from programs like San Diego State, Hawaii, Wyoming, Portland State, Air Force, Arizona, and/or Oregon.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Paul for a one-on-one covering his junior campaign, off-season workouts, and booming recruiting interest.
Interview
Antoine, it looks like the Jaguars run a version of the Pistol with a lot of traps, counters, and veers, what type of offense does your team run?
“We run a little bit of a spread and a double-back wing set offense, but mostly we are in a spread.”
How are you utilized within the offense?
“They try to put where I can get the ball in my hands to make plays. Mostly on counters or runs up the middle. I’ll follow a pulling guard or they have a trap block set up for me.”
Which team was the toughest you faced last season?
“Colony.”
How did that game help improve your game?
“Going against top competition made me play at my highest level. I had to learn new strategies and do different things to keep the ball moving on offense.”
You had a big jump in your total offensive numbers last season, how did your game improve on offense so you had the kind of year you posted?
“Learning more about the people that I was going to play against. I knew who I was matched up against before each game. I knew where to go with the ball and the cuts to make. During the off-season, my training with coaches, Saturday workouts, and 7v7 tournaments got me better at being a breakaway player. Running track helped me too.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on my footwork. I want to be more allusive. I’m working on my footspeed too.”
Between offense and defense, which side of the ball do you like to play the most?
“Offense.”
Have you been to any camps this spring?
“I went to the LA Opening Regional and the Adidas Rivals combine.”
How did the Nike camp go for you?
“It went great. I had a 91 overall rating. I did not run my 40 there. But overall I did well. It was a great experience.”
What is your best 40-yard dash time?
“I ran a 4.53 at the Rivals Speed Combine.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?
“Yes, sir.”
With which team?
“E.A.T.”
How is that helping your game?
“It is helping me get more prepared with the repetition of the league. I’m working on different routes and working with and against great competition helping me get better. Overall it is helping improve my performance against different talents.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Hawaii, Arizona, Wyoming, Portland State, Oregon, Air Force, and San Diego State.”
You picked up your first offer from Howard on Monday, congratulations.
“Thank you.”
How did Howard notify you of your offer?
“They notified my coach. My coach called me and told me. I texted their coach and he congratulated me.”
Which position did they offer you to play?
“Athlete.”
Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I’m going to a USC camp and a Redlands camp in June – a bunch of colleges will be there like Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. I’m planning on going to an Azusa Pacific camp on June 4th. Washington, ASU, Utah State, and Idaho will be there.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.3.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I am supposed to take the SAT in June.”
Last question. What motivates you on the gridiron? What is the driving reason for you out on the field?
“I want to be better. I want to push myself to be better. I always challenge myself to be better and to do my best.”
Antoine, thanks for your time today and good luck with all your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Featured photo credit: WRtheO.com; No. 21 Antoine Paul vs. Montclair