Meet St. Francis OL Cooper Paukstis Class Of 2026
So, in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know, but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Dish Football is respected in the IHSA. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Cooper Paukstis St. Francis OL/DL Class Of 2026 6'1 222
Cooper Paukstis How was your freshmen season? Pretty great! Getting to learn from older kids and leading my Junior Varisty Team as Team Captain. As a freshman, I got lots of playing time on Varisty to prepare for the next level playing both Offensive Tackle and Defensive End. I had a very successful season as well as my team. What does football mean to you? Football means a lot to me and for my family. It has helped me build bonds through connections with teammates and coaches. There’s nothing like this sport and why I enjoy it so much! With dedication and hard work, I want to play at the next level beyond high school football. What do you like about playing in the trenches? I love to be the toughest hitter in the trenches and show how I play with explosive hands and footwork. I love to play throughout the whole defensive line showing I am capable of gap control and to play each position.
What part of your game have you been working on in the offseason?
I have been working on my speed and agility with different workouts to keep my endurance on the field. I also have been doing lots of strength trainings with explosive movements to better my get off on the ball. I do football training with FIST football every week to work on my mechanics with my teammates.
What should college coaches know about you?
They should know that I am a student-athlete. I am a team-first player and a hard worker to become the best. College Coaches would be recruiting an athletic, agile, intelligent football player for their team.
What goals do you have for yourself this upcoming season? To prove myself as a sophomore on Varsity and starting both ways at Left Tackle and Defensive End and how I compete. Joining the CCL with other great teams and athletes, to be successful player and for my teammates. The main goal is to make it to state and win a championship!
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