Illinois Football: Interview with 2023 Benet Academy Rising Star QB Anthony Picciolini
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Quarterback Anthony Picciolini had his sophomore season shortened due to COVID but still shined on the gridiron. The 6’3”, 220-pound, gunslinger threw for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading Benet Academy to a 3-2-1 record in the six-game season.
Picciolini has good size and a strong-accurate arm to make throws all over the field and has a tremendous ability to read opposing defenses. The Class of 2023 recruit is already drawing interest from Ivy League schools and it’s only a matter of time before he reels in his first college offer.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Anthony to talk about his sophomore season, his preparations for his junior year and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Anthony, what are your thoughts on your shortened sophomore season?
I would say my shortened sophomore season went well. I was able to learn a lot from upperclassmen and overall progressed a lot as a quarterback.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My strengths on the football field are my ability to read a defense and then make a strong throw to the correct read.
Would you consider yourself a dual-threat or pro-style quarterback?
I would consider myself as a dual-threat quarterback, because I have the ability to throw the ball well in the pocket, as well as on the move, and extend plays with my legs when needed.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
An NFL player I try to model my game after would be Josh Allen from the Buffalo Bills.
What are some areas of your game that you’ve seen the most improvement in since the start of your high school career?
Two areas of improvement I’ve seen since the start of my high school career is I’ve learned how to read and dissect different coverages. I’ve also improved my ability to throw on the run and extend plays with my legs.
What are you working on the most this offseason?
I am working hard with my quarterback coach, Greg Holcomb from Next Level Athletix, as well as trying to maximize as much strength in my lower body to improve my run game.
What game on the 2021 schedule are you most looking forward too?
A game I am looking forward to most this season is against Nazareth.
Do you play any other sports at Benet Academy?
I play baseball for my high school.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school is Physics.
Who are your role models and why?
My role models are my parents. They have shown me how important it is to work hard to achieve your goals. Another role model I have is my little sister. She is a cancer survivor and has shown me what it means to persevere through difficult situations.
Have you been to any camps this summer?
I have been to the North Central Mega Camps, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Northwestern, and plan to camp at Princeton and Yale in July.
Are you receiving interest from any schools?
I was invited to a number of camps that I was unable to attend because of my high school summer camp. I have also been receiving interest from a number of Ivy League schools.
What are your goals for your junior season?
My goals for my junior season are to be a great leader and lead my team on a state title run.
What is your GPA?
I have a 4.1 GPA.
Do you have a favorite quote?
A favorite quote I have is, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work.”
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com/Benet Academy QB Anthony Picciolini visits Notre Dame