Louisiana Football: Interview with Rising Star 2023 OL Peyton Polk
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Peyton Polk is a rising star on the offensive line of the Haughton Buccaneers. After bursting onto the scene into 2020, this young man was named All-District Honorable Mention. At 6-4, 300 pounds, the big man plays with a great football IQ and leadership and possesses good blocking ability. The on the field assets for the Class of 2023 recruit is already garnering interest from several schools after showcasing his skills at numerous camps this summer.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Peyton to talk about his sophomore season and his preparations for his junior campaign.
Interview
Peyton, how would you grade your performance during your sophomore season?
I think I had a good sophomore season. There are definitely areas I have been trying to improve. I strive to be better at my position and help anywhere on the field they need me. We have a good team at Haughton, and we are looking forward to getting better.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I feel my strengths on the field are my football IQ, the ability to play any position on the offensive line, and my pull blocks. I also feel my leadership is an area that I have grown. Starting as a freshman and going through my sophomore season as a second-year starter has given me lots of experience, which helps with leadership and competitive abilities.
Did you receive any individual honors?
Some of the awards I’ve received are All-District Honorable Mention, NUC O-Line MVP, and invites to a lot of camps.
What do you like most about playing on the offensive line?
The offensive line is the best place to play on the field. You have to dominate in the trenches, which builds and produce the best men out there; humble and hard workers.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My max squat is 550, my max bench is 380, and my max power clean is 315.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I don’t model my game after anyone in particular, I want to create my own model. However, I look up to Larry Allen. He’s had a great career, a great player, and has achieved the level of success I want.
Have you attended any camps this summer?
Yes, sir. I attended the National Underclassman Camp in south Louisiana in April where I received the O-Line MVP. I then got invited to the Blue-Grey All American combine at Cowboys Stadium in May. That was a fun camp. Once June 1 got here, I started getting invited to college camps. I attended (in order) LSU, SMU, Texas A&M, University of Texas, Louisiana Tech, Baylor and then ULL (University of Louisiana Lafayette).
What camp did you like the most and why?
I really enjoyed going to Baylor. They gave me a tour of the school and I learned some history of the university. I liked Baylor’s coaches; they really let us compete. I liked A&M as well. I got to really showcase my abilities against some solid competition.
What are you working on the most this offseason?
After watching film from last year, I want to concentrate on explosiveness and foot quickness. I’ve been working with a speed trainer and have been in the gym and with my coaches a lot this off-season. I’m ready to see that translate to the field.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I’m on the track team and throw the shot put. Other than that, I just like to attend other sports and support my school as much as possible!
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
I like history. I find learning about World War II interesting.
What do you like most about playing at Haughton High School?
I love playing for Haughton High School. Coach Brotherton is a great coach. I have a bond with my O-line coaches, Coach Harlan and Coach Washington. I really enjoy how they coach and I have liked getting to know them as people. HHS has a great family community atmosphere. It’s a big school in a small town, and we have lots of support from the community. We are currently on a 17-game winning streak at home.
Are you receiving interest from any schools at this time?
Yes sir. I have had a lot of schools talking to my coaches about me and it’s pretty exciting.
Do you have any college offers?
I don’t have any offers yet. But I think I had a good camp season and I have some pretty good interest from some schools. I am looking forward to the upcoming football season so I can show my growth as a player. I’m looking forward to the fall when I can communicate with schools.
What game on the 2021 schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
I’m really looking forward to playing against Northwood. They have some Division I talent on their team and we haven’t gotten to play them recently. Airline is also one I’ve got circled; it’s always a close game with us and we’ve come out on the wrong end my two years playing.
What are your goals for your junior season?
My goal for my junior season is to dominate. I’ve worked hard at camps and in the off-season. I’m ready to get to work. Besides game play, I want to be a good leader on my team and help mentor younger players. I want our O-line to be the talk of the state.
What is your GPA?
My GPA is 3.7. I have only taken the ACT once so far and scored a 24.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Philippians 4:13.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Haughton OL Peyton Polk (66)