Interview: 3-Star 2022 California LB Colton Antzoulatos Continues to Impress with Valencia
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
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Have defense will travel, that is the case with three-star Class of 2022 linebacker Colton Antzoulatos. During the 2019 season Antzoulatos was knocking heads at Oaks Christian and picked up the same approach this spring with Valencia High School. The Vikings got a five-game 2020 season in watching their new 6-1, 205-pound, outside backer put an end to 40 plays with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks while forcing two fumbles. The offseason is underway working towards a big senior campaign. Antzoulatos has an offer on the table from Pennsylvania with programs like Arizona and Northwestern watching.
Taking another visit to the RNG Clubhouse, Antzoulatos covers ground on his junior season sharing input on what Cal linebacker brother Blake Antzoulatos thought about his play on the field.
*Click the link for the Nov. 2020 RNG interview with Colton Antzoulatos
Interview
Colton, you were the presence on the outside and off the edge for the Vikings throughout the 2020 season. During the five-game schedule, what were the keys parts to your game you were able to showcase?
My physicality; I was told to see the ball and get the ball. I was told to come downhill as fast as I could, take him off his feet and make the play. Reading my keys, from run to pass, improved and closing in on the ball.
In which game did you turn in your top performance this season?
Against Canyon.
What did you do well in that game to make it your best?
I was stopping everyone on my side, reading my keys correctly, I wasn’t hesitating, and I was coming downhill all the time. If it came to my area, I was stopping it. If not coming to my side, it was caught going the other way.
In the team’s 3-4 base, which parts of your game showed the most improvement?
My run stopping. Before I was not checking the run or reading my keys because everything was moving so fast. As the games went on, it slowed down and I was getting to the run early.
Looking at the offseason, what areas are you wanting to improve upon as a defender?
My pass game; sticking on the receiver’s hip more in man. I noticed sometimes, I was seeing the ball on the other side and losing track especially if the quarterback looks the other way, which forces the safety to come down. I am working on that a lot; it has gotten better already. I am on my guy 100 percent.
Curveball question for you, has your brother watched your reel? If so, what was his feedback on your game film?
His feedback was don’t hesitate, just go. Early in the season we were breaking down the film. He kept telling me “just go” and “stop thinking.” I started doing that in Game 3, it truly helped.
What roles are you taking on this fall?
They might put me at inside linebacker. Either way, I will be taking heads off. That’s what a linebacker does.
Yes. And spoken like a true linebacker. What are you doing this spring with your strength and conditioning regimen?
We are lifting as a team; we just started this week. At Valencia, we have an intense lifting program; I have never been so sore. I am also working with Reggie Carter, he’s a Hall of Famer at UCLA. With him I have been working on my hips and footwork. I have been running and working on my quick twitch and overall speed. I am also doing some boxing and jujitsu to help with pacing and long-term stamina.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest this spring?
Northwestern, Yale, and Arizona.
Which program has offered?
UPenn (Pennsylvania), that is a dream school for me. A bunch of my friends go there. That was a dream come true to get that offer.
Nice. This summer, once the dead period lifts, are there any visits you may take?
I’d like to visit Arizona, obviously Cal, and go to UPenn.
Colton, it was fun catching up with you today. Wishing you success with your offseason workouts and upcoming visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Antzoulatos family; Colton Antzoulatos