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2017 NFL Draft Underrated Prospects: Glen Antoine, Idaho

By Russell Brown

Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Idaho Vandals take a knee before a game against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Idaho Vandals take a knee before a game against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s always that one player on team’s defensive line that came out of nowhere. You always wonder where he came from and for the 2017 NFL Draft, I found that guy. Meet Glen Antoine, the newest member of The Underrated!

From Round Rock, Texas, Glen Antoine is a graduate of Round Rock High School. Antoine was ranked ninth among defensive tackles in the Lone Star Region and was 11th in the Centex Sweet 16. During his recruitment process, he had considered UTEP but opted to play at Navarro Junior College in 2012. In 2013, he had 32 total tackles and two tackles for loss. This led to him earning honorable mention Kansas Jayhawk Community College All-Conference selection as Highland advanced to the playoffs for the first time in school history.

After two successful seasons in Junior College, Antoine transferred to Idaho. I asked him why he chose Idaho and he said, “Idaho was the best fit for me at that time coming out of Junior College.  Also, I really liked Paul Petrino and on my visit, I felt like it was family atmosphere.” Despite choosing Idaho over Illinois, I think Antoine made the right decision.

Having to redshirt in 2014 at Idaho and only having 16 tackles in 2015, Antoine really came into his own during the 2016 season. He finished the season with 33 total tackles (21 solo), three tackles for loss and one sack. At 6’4 – 320 lbs., Antoine moves really well and will be hard to contain at the next level.

Strengths:

  • Great size for a nose tackle at 6’4 – 320 lbs.
  • Really uses his size well in the gaps.
  • Physical run stopper who fills the gap.
  • Love his motor/hustle and is always showing great pursuit to the football.
  • Can split double teams by playing low and dropping his shoulder to the ground.
  • Does a really nice job by keeping his feet moving and never setting his feet into the ground.
  • Has a great set of combination moves from punch-rip off a block to bullrush and rip through the block.

Over the last few days, I’ve gotten the chance to speak with Glen and he absolutely loves football. He loves it so much that when I asked him about an alternate career besides football, he said, “Although, I received 2 degrees from the University of Idaho, my love is football.  So, I would pursue coaching as my alternate career.” I get a feeling that he’s going to be that first guy in, last guy to leave type of player. 

Despite his playing style being similar to Bennie Logan, in my opinion, Glen tries to replicate his game after Vince Wilfork. Understandable since he’s a natural fit as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense at the next level. However, Glen believes that he can fit in any defense because he knows he can pass rush the quarterback. At Idaho, they run a lot of nickel packages so he wasn’t able to display that skill. Whether he can pass rush the quarterback or not, by drafting Glen Antoine, you get a nose tackle that can be utilized in short yardage. He has knack for getting after the running back and he displays that with his strength, his motor and pursuit to the football.

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Weaknesses:

  • If he plays above pad level, he tends to try and throw the blocker.
  • Isn’t much of a pass rusher.
  • Can become faster off the ball.
  • More hand usage when dealing with the block. Don’t rely on just pure strength.

While being invited to the College Gridiron Showcase, Glen Antoine said he got the chance to speak with quite a few teams. He said “I spoke to the Rams, Chiefs and Raiders. While the Jets had me fill out some information.” I’ll admit, the Rams don’t seem like an ideal fit but the other three teams would be able to utilize him right away. Also, his favorite team is the New Orleans Saints and I’m sure they could find a spot for him quickly in the middle of their defensive line.

Even though he’s played football for more than 15 years of his life because of his dad introducing him to it. Antoine’s biggest hurdle hasn’t even come on the football field, it came in the classroom. Antoine stated, “As a kid, I struggled academically.  I was really behind in elementary school.  It took a lot of hard work and some long nights working with my mother.  I went from struggling as a youngster to taking AP classes in high school.  In my career, I had to overcome a torn labrum during my sophomore year.  After the surgery, I had to work hard to gain my strength back.  Also, I had to learn to be patient while I was working to get back in playing shape.”

Overall:

Through perseverance and hard work, Glen Antoine has found himself on the cusp of the 2017 NFL Draft. With that being said, I’ve got a 5th round grade on him.

Surely, he’s not the most talked about prospect and he knows that he’s going under the radar. To him, he believes that being “underrated” means, “someone that has flown under the radar and has not been granted the accolades of other players with similar skills.” With that, I’d have to agree but it’ll only be a matter of time before teams start calling Glen Antoine about a job.

Personally, I’d like to thank Glen for his time and dedication to making this week’s edition of The Underrated so great. He’s truly a special player and is going to be a fun player to watch at the next level. Best of luck moving forward and accomplishing your dreams. Until next time, this is The Underrated!

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