Interview: 3-Star 2022 OLB Colton Antzoulatos Ready for the Lions to Unleash Him in 2020
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Oaks Christian has a secret weapon they are about to unleash on Division 1/2 competition in linebacker Colton Antzoulatos. After transferring from Chaminade, the 6-1, 195-pound, defender opted out of the varsity season in 2019 to avoid sitting due to CIF transfer rules dominating his peer group along the way. In the Lions’ seven-game JV season, Antzoulatos was averaging 12-plus tackles a game with a pick, a couple of forced fumbles, and two sacks playing on the outside.
When 2020 goes live, the three-star recruit will be playing rover in the Lion’s 4-2-5 scheme. That action, and the bloodlines to older brother Blake Antzoulatos (Cal), has college coaches watching. Oregon State, Arizona State, Berkeley, Pennsylvania Yale, and Penn State are already showing interest.
Interview
Colton, it is fun watching film on you. You are a linebacker’s linebacker. Playing on the outside in the Lions’ scheme last season, what were your roles and responsibilities?
One of my biggest roles that coach always instilled in us was check the run. You never know what will happen. After that get out to the flats looking for anything coming our way or across our face. Once I saw the run, I’d fill the alley and run them over.
As I just eluded to, it is obvious you like to hit and mix it up. What are some of the other joys to the game that fires you up for a practice and/or a game?
That adrenaline on kick off. I have trained for this, I am ready, and it is my time to let it show.
Last season what was the split for you between JV and varsity?
I transferred in from Chaminade, I was there my freshman year. We decided it would be better for me to play JV learning the defense, then I would know everything inside and out and be ready to play this season.
How did your overall game improve in 2019 with the JV experience?
My hip work improved a lot. I used to play hockey, so I had pretty good hips. But I worked out with Reggie Carter, is a Hall of Famer at UCLA, he’s a straight dog. I trained with him and my brother. Five days a week non-stop lifting with field work. I have really good hips, and I owe that to Reggie Carter. My eye sight improved – all around I got better as a linebacker.
When the 2020 season gets going, what roles are you taking on?
I will mostly be on defense. Before the season was pushed, they were thinking about putting me at slot as well. They’ve picked up a couple more guys, I think I will just be at outside linebacker on defense.
What scheme will you guys run?
We are running mostly at 4-2-5.
Does that change stuff up for you?
Sort of, I am the rover. They wanted the smaller shiftier guy at that position to get back. If I do have to drop back or fill the run, I am fine either way. I think of myself as athletic. The more that I think about it, nothing really changes anything for me this season.
How have you been preparing for Division 1/2 California offenses this offseason?
I have been working on my one on ones, working with Reggie Carter, and lifting seven days a week. I go to the park to run and do ladders for my footwork. My brother goes over film with me. He gives me tips. That will prepare me and get me at my best for the season.
This was touched on a minute ago, what are you doing to increase your speed?
I’ve been doing hills, but most importantly are my front squats. That builds the explosive power that you need. I have been doing a bunch of squats and hills, running with a 50-pound weight vest through the hills.
That wears me out thinking about it. Alright, what is the Lions’ practice schedule?
Right now, we practice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Monday is a lift day, Tuesday and Wednesday we are on the field, and on Thursday we lift. Then we get back at it on Monday.
Last question for you. When you watch football on the weekends, who are you watching and what are you picking up to learn more about the game?
I don’t watch football on the weekends. I’m not one to watch an NFL game, I would rather play it than watch it. When I do watch, I watch myself or someone in college. On Blake’s team, last season I was watching (LB) Evan Weaver (Arizona Cardinals). I saw how he was getting to the ball, no false steps, and he was always there.
He was a monster last season. Evan was a good one to watch. Colton, it was great getting time with you today. Wishing you and the team success this winter preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Antzoulatos family; Colton Antzoulatos