Cardinal Coachspeak: Paxton Segina
One of the late additions to #CardClass16 flew under the radar for many Stanford fans. Long committed to Rice, Paxton Segina made the switch to Stanford when he was offered late in his recruitment. The explosive wide receiver put up huge numbers in high school, so we caught up with Drew Sanders, Paxton’s head coach at Vandegrift High School in Austin, for the latest edition of Cardinal Coach Speak.
Cardinal Sports Report: Paxton had an interesting recruiting timeline, as he was committed to Rice for a significant amount of time. What was about it about Stanford and that offer that caused the big shift for Paxton in his decision?
Drew Sanders: Well, it’s Stanford. They continued to recruit him the whole time while he was committed, but never offered. When they offered, it was a tough decision for Pax, but he chose Stanford.
CSR: Over the course of the past two years, Paxton put up huge individual statistics. As his game translates to the next level, what type of WR do you think Paxton will be?
Sanders: Pax can track the ball like no other. If it’s close, he will get it. 99 percent of the time, he won his 1-on-1 matchups here in our league. He will be an impact player once he gains some weight and strength.
CSR: Paxton dealt with a very serious head injury during his senior year. How has his recovery been from the injury, and are there any residual worries as he prepares for the next level at Stanford?
Sanders: His recovery is complete. He starts for our district champion basketball team and is excelling. I have no concerns other than the normal safety concerns I have for all my players.
CSR: Stanford has had some great success recently recruiting the state of Texas. What is it about Stanford that you think makes it so appealing for elite talent from the state?
Sanders: Duane Akina does a great job recruiting kids. With his history in Texas, he is very knowledgeable about schools and talent, so he did an awesome job recruiting. And Stanford is an elite program, so they attract elite talent.
CSR: Despite some video game type statistics, Stanford was the only reported BCS offer for Paxton. Why do you think his recruitment flew so under the radar with some of the bigger schools in Texas?
Sanders: Not sure. I don’t understand the recruiting process at times, why certain guys are five-stars, etc. etc. I just know Paxton couldn’t be stopped 1-on-1 at any time all season. He made a bunch of great catches and is one of the best players I’ve ever coached.
CSR: As he prepares to play at the (Football Bowl Subdivision) level, what are the biggest areas that you think Paxton needs to improve on to make an impact at Stanford?
Sanders: He needs to work on the physical attributes of strength and weight gain. Once he does that, he will be ready.