Interview: 2019 3-Star Cal LB Commit Blake Antzoulatos Talks MVP Season and Previews Official
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the state of California over the past three high school football seasons, it would be tough to find an inside linebacker as good and as productive as Blake Antzoulatos. The 6-2, 230-pound, beast in the box has not missed a game in three seasons lining up in 34 Chaminade games crushing opposing Division I running backs and quarterbacks for 427 stops over the span. And, all that talent is headed to Cal-Berkeley next season.
Antzoulatos is the definition of a tackling machine churning out 125 stops in 2016, 150 during his junior season, and 152 in 11 games his senior year. The stat line for his final Mission League go-round was 152 tackles, 66 solo, 11.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, 25 quarterback hurries, two interceptions, two passes batted away, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. We all know that stats can be deceiving, but not Antzoulatos’. The Eagles threw down against No. 11 nationally ranked Oaks Christian twice, Mission Hills, No. 20 nationally ranked Folsom, No. 2 nationally ranked St. John Bosco while squaring off against league heavyweights Bishop Amat, Serra, and Notre Dame. The hard work earned Antzoulatos Co-Defensive MVP Mission League Player of the Year honors off his 4-7 Eagles squad.
Cal-Berkeley has had Antzoulatos wrapped up since June 1. The relationship continues to grow with the Golden Bears’ staff and the big day to finally take his official visit, on Saturday, after several unofficial visits is finally here. Covering it all, his senior year and official visit, we sat down to dish it out.
Interview
Blake, you turned in another amazing season filling up the stat sheet with 152 stops. Comparing this season to last year, how did you push your game forward to that next level?
“My offseason work on getting stronger and faster, that translated to the field. I made more significant plays than last year, I was able to do more significant things because of the offseason work.”
You were a pest in the opposition’s backfield with 25 quarterback hurries. How did that part of your game improve this season getting after the quarterback?
“I worked on speed and quickness, that helped. This offseason I will work on my hands and pass rush more, that was a big impact.”
Which game this season was your best?
“I’d say the second Oaks (Christian) game or the Notre Dame game.”
Why do you consider either one of those games your best?
“I had an offensive touchdown against Notre Dame, a 40-yard pick, and 16 tackles. Against Oaks, I had 19 tackles, a pass deflection and a sack at the goal line.”
That qualifies. Looking back, what are you most proud of during your time playing for Chaminade?
“The thing I am most proud of is being team captain my senior year. Being with my guys for the last four years, that was my greatest moment.”
When do you take your official to Cal?
“I am taking my official this weekend.”
What all do you plan to do during your visit?
“I have not received the itinerary, I know my mom has it. We are going up for Cal’s game against Stanford. I am excited to hang with the players and get a feel for the team and the campus. (Even) Weaver is my host. I want to learn what I can from him. He will be my teammate next season. That’ll be good to learn from him.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits to Cal this season?
“Yes, I have taken a couple.”
Are you helping with recruiting?
“For sure. Whenever the coaches tell me to talk to guys they have offered, I go and talk to them. I ask them what they are thinking. If they are thinking Cal, I push it. I am trying to make it the best class we can, all the recruits want to make it special. Cal’s 2019 class will be great. We will make some noise.”
You touched on this a few minutes ago, what all will you do with your offseason workouts?
“I just started them. The goal is to stay flexible while increasing my flexibility and mobility. I will work on my hips and lower back, my speed and strength. I want to get that right balance between as big I can and as fast as I can without compromising anything.”
Which position will you play at Cal?
“Inside linebacker.”
Have they given you any tips or pointers on what they want to see from you once on campus?
“Learning the playbook was the most important thing Coach (Peter) Sirmon has talked about with me.”
When you’ve watched the Golden Bears play this season, are you watching as a fan or are you intently watching the box to see what they are doing within the scheme?
“Both, but it is hard. I watch as a player to see what their backers are doing and who they are bringing. But on a big play, I start yelling in the house like a fan.”
Blake, congratulations on your Co-Defensive MVP honors and have fun on your official this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Antzoulatos family; Blake Antzoulatos and family at Cal