DITR – Jonah Gauthier

Jonah Gauthier is a 5’7″, 176 pound, class of 2025 running back from Acadiana High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. Jonah is a quick but powerful back who was a major piece in Acadiana’s offense in 2022. Jonah says the NFL running back his game is most similar to is Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants, and Jonah studies Saquon in order to model his game after him. Jonah has very impressive measurables, including a 4.49 40-yard dash, a 265 max on the bench press, and a 430 pound max squat. On the field, Jonah shows good ballcarrier vision and an ability to create plays in open space.

I recently interviewed Jonah:

Why and at what age did you start playing football?

“I was 9 years old.”

Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?

“My main position I used to play was Middle linebacker, but when I started high school, I switched to running back.”

What sets you apart from everyone else on the field?

“My strength and my speed for sure, like being able to use my strength to hit someone hard but also using my speed to get away when I see the open field.”

What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?

“Getting varsity minutes and stats as a sophomore at Acadiana.”

What is your favorite memory of playing football so far? 

“Scoring my first varsity touchdown.”

How do you balance athletics and academics?

“I just focus on what I need to; if I’m in school, that’s the only thing I worry about. If I’m on the field, that’s all I’m thinking about.”

How do you stay physically fit outside of football? 

“I lift everyday of the week and out of those, I work on my agility and footwork for three of those.”

What are you hoping to achieve in this upcoming season?

“Win a championship and make history at Acadiana..”

What is your end goal for your football career?

“Be the best running back to ever play football anywhere.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football? 

“You have to work for want you want.”

How do you prepare for big games? 

“Definitely listen to my music to hype me, and thank God and remember who I do it for.”

Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?

” Definitely my mom, because of everything she does for me, and the love she has for me and my family.”

All photos courtesy of Jonah Gauthier (#27)