Aquan Chillis is a 5’10”, 150 pound, class of 2025 Safety from West St. Mary High School in Baldwin, Louisiana. Aquan lines up as a box safety and is used more for run support than in coverage. In 2022, as a Sophomore, Aquan racked up 40 total tackles, 26 solo and 14 assisted. He also added 5 tackles for loss as well as both a pair of forced fumbled and a pair of sacks. He certainly has a knack for the football; his tape shows that he can get in the backfield and disrupt plays often. I recently interviewed Aquan and asked him if he models his game after anyone in particular, and he said he tries to be himself on the field. Aquan certainly played a big part of West St. Mary’s defense in 2022; hopefully, he can take that next step in 2023. Off the field, Aquan holds a 3.8 GPA, so that certainly will help him when it comes time for him to be recruited.
At Gridiron Football’s recent camp in Eunice, Louisiana, in February, Aquan ran a 5.00 40-yard dash, a 4.53 shuttle, and jumped 6’10” in the broad jump.
I asked Aquan several questions. here they are:
Why and at what age did you start playing football?
“I started playing the game of football at age 12 because I was encouraged by my family to play another sport other than basketball.”
Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?
“Growing up, I always played defense no matter what position. I just loved to fly around the field and tackle people; it brought me happiness.”
What sets you apart from everyone else on the field?
“I think what sets me apart from everyone else on the field is the way I carry myself, my confidence, and my swag.”
What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?
“My favorite accomplishment in football so far is receiving the defensive back MVP award.”
What is your favorite memory playing football so far?
“My favorite memory playing football so far is recording my record high of 14 tackles in one game.”
How do you balance athletics and academics?
“A saying my parents that they always tell me is, “Academics first then sports.” I like to keep this saying in mind. I try to stay on top of my work in school so after school I can go to practice or workout then relax at home.”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced on the field is taking on huge lineman’s blocks with me being a little undersized at the strong safety position.”
How do you stay physically fit outside of football?
“Outside of football, I make I don’t get sluggish and lazy by getting in drills and going to the park with my teammates for 7v7 games whenever we can.”
What are you hoping to achieve in this upcoming season?
“In this upcoming season, I’m hoping to make at least Second Team All-District.”
What is your end goal for your football career?
“My end goal for my football career would be to make a name for myself in the college football world at a good football school.”
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?
“The most important lesson I learned playing football is never put yourself before the team. There’s no place for selfishness on a football team.”
How do you prepare for big games?
“I prepare for games by making sure I do my school work and lock in the whole school day, then I have a good pregame meal, and after I eat I listen to my music and lock in.”
Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?
“The biggest role model in my life is my grandfather. He found a way to make something out of nothing. He worked hard for everything he got in life and he’s the definition of a real man.”
