JS: How was the visit over the weekend?
AB: The visit was great! I was blown away by the stadium and the facilities. The atmosphere was amazing before, during and after the game!
JS: How exciting is it for you to have a normal off-season and actually be able to go on visits and talk to coaches in person?
AB: It’s awesome! Being able to go on campus too is a huge thing since I can see everything the whole school has to offer, not just the football stadium and facilities. It was also great being able to go out to a few camps! It’s also great to be able to meet coaches and talk to them in person!
JS: What made you want to play football originally??
AB: Definitely my dad, he didn’t make me play football, but he definitely led me towards it. He played at Joliet Catholic Academy where I play now and then went on to play at the University of Western Illinois. It’s a huge help always having him help me out and coach me!
JS: What have you worked on the last year or so to improve your game and be ready when you jump to the next level of competition?
AB: I have been working on my strength and first punch a lot. But definitely staying athletic on the football field. I have always played basketball so it has helped me stay agile and quick, but I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better at being faster and stronger on the football field.
JS: Great! How has been to have fans in the stands and be able to have a normal season? I know a lot of players talk about home-field advantage and a lot of players no matter the level say they definitely missed it last year.
AB: It’s been great to have a normal season! Everyone is looking forward to that final goal of winning our 15th state championship for the program, but we have to take things week by week. I definitely think that home-field advantage matters. I love being able to look up in the stands and seeing everyone in the brown, blue, and white!
JS: Is there anyone in the NFL that you model your game under or can compare yourself to?
AB: I definitely look up to guys like Quenton Nelson and Trent Williams. They play with great energy and always finish blocks downfield. This is what I try to do in my game too.
JS: What are your expectations for yourself this year and then in the future?
AB: My expectations for myself this year are to help win my team state and play a great season! My expectations in the future are to play Division One football and to continue helping out people that need it.
JS: What can a coaching staff expect out of you on the field and in the locker room?
AB: Coaches can expect a player and teammate who will always go 100% and finish plays to the whistle. Also, in the locker room, they can expect a leader who will always help out others and bring people up when they’re down.
We at The Front Office News want to thank Anthony for his time and wish him the best of luck!
