DITR: QB Samuel Tullos

This Diamond in the Rough athlete is 2024 Acadiana Christian High School (Lafayette, LA) QB, Samuel Tullos. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, Tullos has been a powerhouse for the Defenders with 333 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 61 rushing yards, and 16 completions. He is an absolute unit on the field and boasts an impressive 4.75 Ryzer 40-yard dash time. As the top player for Acadiana Christian, Tullos has led his team to league championships for the past three years and a projected overall 1st place ranking this season. His impressive academic achievements, a 4.0 GPA and 25 ACT score, are a mirror of his athletic commitment and success. 

At what age did you start playing football, and why has it become so important to you?  

“I started playing Football when I was twelve years old. Football has always been a fun pastime for me but ever since I started playing I’ve loved the cometitive side of the game and I also love being able to create relationships with my teammates and my opponents on and off the field.”

What are your goals for the season?

“Well, my ultimate goal for the season is to win every game. I know this does not often happen but my goal will always be perfection.”

How do you balace schoolwork with athletics?

“I always make sure that my schoolwork is done before I do any extracurricular activities. I have been taught from a young age that the academics will get you a lot further than the athletics. So I try to make my school the main priority at all times”

How would you describe yourself as an athlete?

“I would describe myself as versatile. I have played many positions in my football career from offensive/defensive lineman to kicker to quarterback. I dont want to be know as a one-trick pony. I like to use my versatility to attack our opponents in many different ways. I would also describe myself as competitive. I love to compete in everything, not just football. Cometition makes life more fun to me.”

Where do you see yourself after high school?

“After high school I would like to go play college ball. I’m not sure where yet, but I do plan on going to college to further my education even if football doesn’t work out.”

Are there any players that you model your game after?

“the two players that come to mind are Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. Allen is just a physical freak at the quarterback position. He can attack the defense in so many ways with his arms or his legs. Thats something I try to emulate in my game. I also really admire Burrow’s coolness and mental processing. He seems to never get flustered and always has nerves of steal. That’s another thing I try to emulate in my game”

Who outside of football is your biggest inspiration?

“Outside of football my biggest inspiration is my father. He’s always been there for me. Him and my mom have been awesome in helping me to try and pursue a college football career. They’ve taken me to lots of camps the past few summers. But he’s also a great inspiration off the field. He’s always pushing me to be a better person and a better athlete. I couldn’t ask for a better dad.”

What sets you apart from other quarterbacks?

“I would say my physicalilty sets me apart. One of the best parts of football to me is the contact; I love hitting. I dont think there’s many quarterbacks that really look for contact but I always enjoy trucking a few DB’s in a game.”

How would you describe a good teammate?

“A good teammate to me is a role model on and off the field. He would encourage his teammates when they’re down and always push them to be better. A big thing we preach in our organization is accountability. I want my teammates to always home me accountable on and off the field and I try to do the same for them”

How do you plan to keep active between football seasons?

“For me, in the offseason is when I try to put on some muscle. It helps me stay in shape while also getting bigger and stronger for the next season. And as a quarterback I try to keep my arm and mechanics in as good a shape as I can.”

Are there any pregame rituals you do?

“I wouldn’t say I have a set pregame ritual. I just try to focus on getting my mind right for the game because mentally, you can lose the game before it even starts. You obviously have to prepare your body but you also need to prepare your mind. So I try to focus on that the day of the game.