Cardinal Coach's Corner: Malik Antoine
One of the first commits in the 2016 class came out of a state that the Stanford coaches have targeted over the past couple of years.
Lousiana native Malik Antoine made his commitment to the Cardinal in April and never wavered. In the latest edition of Cardinal Coach’s Corner, University Laboratory School head coach Chad Mahaffey breaks down why Antoine and Stanford proved to be the perfect marriage.
Cardinal Sports Report: With Malik attending school in Baton Rouge and having offers from across the region, why do you think he was so willing to attend school across the country at Stanford?
Chad Mahaffey: I think attending a school like Stanford has been a long-time dream for Malik. In talking with him, distance from home never was that important to him. He just wanted to find a great school that was also successful in athletics.
CSR: Having had numerous coaches swing by to recruit Malik and other talented prospects, was there anything unique that stood out about the way that the Stanford coaches approached the process with your staff and Malik's family?
Mahaffey: I thought both Coach Akina and Coach Alamar were pretty thorough and persistent in their recruitment of Malik. At a place like Stanford, I know it is probably difficult to find kids talented enough to play but that also meet the academic standards. I think Malik was somebody that they targeted very early as somebody that fit their criteria. They were very open and honest with us about the process of admissions at Stanford and in helping me with any football-type questions that we might have.
CSR: After coaching Malik, what are some of the traits that you think made him such an attractive recruit for Stanford?
Mahaffey: He is one of the most driven kids we've had. He has talent for sure, but he always goes above and beyond the minimum in order to improve himself as a player. I think that was obvious to the Stanford staff as well. He also loves the game itself and going to practice each day.
CSR: Between now and when he steps foot on the field at Stanford, what are some of the main areas that you think Malik needs to grow and develop as a football player?
Mahaffey: He will have to work to improve his physicality, like most freshmen do, in order to prove he can be trusted out there in big time college football. Adjusting to equal and better talent, and having the confidence to handle defeat and disappointment, will also be something for him to work on.
CSR: Stanford has had some success recruiting in Louisiana the past couple of years. What do you think it is about Stanford that makes it such an appealing destination for recruits from Louisiana and the South?
Mahaffey: I think the academic reputation of the school is known worldwide, and that is where it starts. In recent years, the football team has produced on an elite level as well, and that is why it has become so inviting to recruits. Over time, I think once you can make inroads in a particular school or region, it makes it more attainable and viable an option for the other kids in the future years.