Interview: 2018 Florida WR Anthony Schwartz Exciting College Coaches with Blazing Speed

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On the field of play three things can separate a player from his competition – knowledge, strength, and speed. Knowledge and strength can be acquired over time with hard work and dedication, but speed, speed is a God given ability that cannot be taught. When college coaches come across a player with blazing speed coupled with determination and desire, full-ride scholarships quickly follow. This is the scenario for American Heritage wide receiver Anthony Schwartz.

Before the casual reader gets up in arms about speed not being able to be taught – do not confuse quickness with actual speed, or in Schwartz’s case, blazing speed. The 6-0, 175 pound, talent has clocked a hand-held 4.31 in the 40-yard dash and to show it was not a fluke ran a laser-timed 4.4-flat at a Nike SPARQ camp in 2016. The difference in teaching speed to shave one-hundredths of a second off a 40-yard time, is quickness in form and technique while the speed that Schwartz was given are worlds apart from most of his peers.

Schwartz and his speed were worked into American Heritage’s perfect 2016 season seeing the Patriots post a 14-0 mark capturing a Florida state title with a 35-33 win over Ponte Vedra High School. The stat line for Schwartz will not overwhelm but one thing to note, a lot of his big plays were called back on penalties negating fantastic plays. Through stats posted for nine games, Schwartz had seven carries for 129 yards with two touchdowns and pulled in three passes for 131 yards and another score. Buried within the stats are Schwartz’s big play abilities averaging 18 yards per carry and an amazing 43.7 yards per reception. American Heritage head coach Pat Surtain even used Schwartz at safety on a limited basis getting three tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception out of his all-around athletic abilities.

There is a world of possibilities Schwartz brings with him on offense for college coaches. Programs hoping to get lucky enough to land the Fort Lauderdale area talent are already lining up with 11 offers on the table. The hopeful teams includes Florida, Mississippi State, Rutgers, Virginia, Iowa State, Fresno State, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Temple, South Florida, and Auburn. The list is sure to grow with the camp season around the corner and another slate of games to play with the Patriots in 2017.

I sat down with one of the fastest rising stars in the 2018 recruiting class to find out more about “Flash”, his game, and his recruiting process to date.

Interview

Anthony, what was the championship run like for you with the Patriots?

“It was great. I wanted to win it for the seniors. We came up short for the seniors the year before. We worked hard and played the best we could this year and we won the championship.”

Your highlight reel shows your blazing speed. What is the fastest 40-yard dash time you have posted?

“I have posted a 4.31 hand-held and a 4.4-flat laser-timed.”

Where did you run the 4.3 timed 40?

“I ran the 4.3 at a prep sports combine last year. I ran the 4.4 at a Nike SPARQ camp last summer.”

You played on both sides of the ball during your junior season, where all did you line up?

“Outside receiver, slot, safety, and free safety.”

Where all might we see you on the field in 2017?

“I will most likely play receiver and some free safety if there are injuries. That is why I played safety this past season.”

Is receiver your favorite position?

“Yes.”

Which parts of your game will you give the most attention to during the off-season?

“Mainly my route running and my hands. My hands are good I just want to get better. With my route running, I want smoother routes to break on the spot without slowing down.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in your but have not offered you yet?

“Miami, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, and Navy.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 11 offers.”

Which schools that have offered you are giving you the most attention?

“Florida, Virginia, Auburn, Iowa State, and Syracuse are keeping in touch the most.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I don’t know yet. I went to a Junior Day at Miami for track. That was pretty much the same thing as going for football. I talked to the football coaches when I was there too.”

Have you started looking into any college camps for the summer?

“One camp I am trying to go to is the Miami camp. The rest I will have to wait and see.”

Are you participating in track again this year for American Heritage?

“Yes, sir. I am running in the 100, 200, 4×1, and 4×4.”

Which event is your best?

“The 100.”

What is your best time in the 100?

“10.27.”

What are you trying to hit this year in the 100?

“I’m trying to hit a 10.1 in the 100 and a 20.3 in the 200.”

That would be fantastic. Do you have any track offers yet?

“I have one from Georgia.”

How is everything going in the classroom for you?

“I have a 4.28 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have taken the SAT but I have not received my score yet.”

Last question. How has playing football helped you off the field in your day to day life?

“It has helped me focus more off the field. I can multitask more now. In the classroom it has helped me balance everything out. I manage my time better between practice, homework, and the classroom.”

Anthony, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming track season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Miami Herald; No. 85 Anthony Schwartz celebrates a touchdown (2016).

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 85 Anthony Schwartz pre-snap (2016).