Our newest D.I.T.R. is class of 2024 wide receiver Paxton Lafont from E.D. White High School in Thibodaux, LA. Lafont has a 6’3″ 200lb frame that allows him to seal the edge in the exterior blocking scheme of the E.D. White Cardinals run heavy offense, but that isn’t what Lafont will be known for when he has finished his career. His size paired with top notch track speed create a reciever that is ready for the next level. Lafont’s best route is his fade, which is a route that he has scored on countless times. His large frame also allows him to make catches over his defenders, and his hands are an aspect of his game that he really prides himself on. This spring Paxton has received two D1 college football offers to play at Southeastern Louisiana as well as Nicholls State University, with many more on the way. Lafont’s ability to go up and get it is something that all coaches and scouts should keep their eyes on this upcoming fall and in the years to come.
I was fortunate enough to speak with Paxton and gain some more insight into his life and playing career.
When did you start playing football and why did you start playing?
“I started playing football from about the time I was born, as long as I can remember I have had a football in my hands. I started playing flag football around the age of four or five, I couldn’t tell you exactly when but I wanted to get out there as early as I could. What got me into it was that my Dad actually played at Nicholls State University and he raised me to love the game.”
What aspect of the game made you fall in love with the sport?
“Watching my Dads old film made me fall in love with the sport. He played defense and he was a big hitter so that made me want to be on the defensive side of the ball but as you can tell that just isn’t the case now. I love the strategy in the play calling and also the crowd, everything about it makes the perfect environment for me which is why it’s the sport I decided to play.”
Do you play any other sports?
“I compete in track when I’m not on the football field. In track I mainly do the open 200m and 4x200m, so I’m a little longer sprinting guy. I also compete in the high jump from time to time.”
Who do you look up to as a role model?
“Definitely my Dad, in life and in business he is successful and he knows the right people to hire when he sees them. He’s a guy that never gave up, even coming from a place where he wasn’t as well off, he would go knocking door to door looking for work until he made it to where he is today so I really admire that about him. Also watching what he did on the football field and playing at the D1 level. I want to be just like him.”
Is there a college or professional player that you try to model your game after?
“I really like Jerry Rice as a player, I watch a lot of his film. He was such a pure route runner and even though he played a while back his game overdoes anything that you will see in today’s game in my opinion. I think I’d also throw Tom Brady in there as well, I know he’s a quarterback but he’s a guy that wasn’t highly scouted out of college and look where he made it, so I really try and take after his mental abilities.”
What have you learned about yourself from playing football?
“I have learned patience within myself throughout my career. With waiting for offers and just trusting the process, football taught me to have that patience in everything. Physically football has taught me so many things I didn’t know, like how to move my body in different ways and also how to go up and get the ball.”
What sets you apart from the other players at your position?
“I think that my size is something that gives me an edge, being 6’3″ 200lbs I’m blessed to have my size and I try and use it to the best of my ability. I also think my hands are an aspect of my game that people like to talk about. I have been catching footballs since I was a baby so I really take pride in those two aspects, my size and my hands.”
What school subject is the most appealing to you and why?
“I really like my U.S. History class that I’m in right now. I had family that fought in World War II so learning about that is very eye opening for me. I think it’s important to know your past and where you came from so I would have to go with U.S. History.”
What goals have you set for yourself this upcoming season?
“I have set a goal of breaking the touchdown record and yardage record for receiving at E.D. White. I also want to make it to the State Championship with my team and hopefully find a good College to call home in the midst of all that.”
What are some characteristics that make a school the right place for you?
“The size of the school and what they have done as a program isn’t as big of a deal to me as it may be to other athletes. The coaches and the environment are the aspects that I really take into account. If I feel like I am truly wanted and welcome at a school I think that is telltale for whether it is the right place for me or not, with coaching especially.”
What is something you are working on improving in practice?
“In practice I have been working on my route release. I want to be faster off the line, I do well with it right now because of my size but I want to be better incase I’m in double coverage or if there’s a defender in a deep zone. I want to be faster in order to throw those guys off and confuse them in hope of creating more space for my quarterback to make a throw.”
What kind of qualities do you believe a leader should have?
“I think a good leader should be vocal. There’s a lot of young guys out here, especially in the spring so just being vocal. If your a big time athlete the young guys will really look up to you so I think a good leader should pick up his teammates when they’re down and respect everyone on the field whether you like them or not. With that being said I think a good leader should take control and be a good role model for other guys on the team because if you’re a good role model everybody will want to be like you. It creates a long lasting wave effect that can carry on longer than you can even imagine.”
What is your favorite moment from your career so far?
“So far my favorite moment of my career was in sophomore year. At the beginning of the season I broke my collarbone and had to sit out some games. Once I came back it was a day game on a Saturday with my Dad coaching me for the first time. In that game I got my first TD on a 45 yard post and that was just breathtaking for me and my family and an overall awesome experience.”
What do you see yourself accomplishing after high school?
“Obviously I would say playing for a big D1 school and being successful there but I also want to accomplish other things like getting my degree and getting a stable job for the future. Just being a good person overall and having no bad to my name is what I hope for, I also want to start a business and other parts of life like that.”
What are some hobbies you like to do in your free time?
“I just picked up golf and it’s something that I’m always dying to do so I would say golf and weightlifting. I also love going to the field with my buddies and running some route and working with those guys.”
