Anthony Paulk was named All-Region his sophomore year. The 2024 defensive back who primarily played cover corner last year is now predominantly at safety, where he can be the centerpiece of the Coffee secondary.
He quickly took to the new position, picking off a pass against Tift County in the first game of the season. The junior safety read the QB’s eyes perfectly, but was not done, and quickly sprinted towards the left sideline where he outpaced pursuit. Then around the 30-yard line, Paulk cut back against the grain into the middle of the field where he was able to sprint the rest of the way for a score.
The play earned him into the top plays of the week and eventually he was voted the #2 play in the state of Georgia. The exciting junior has made a habit of returning back interceptions and has now housed three over the course of his career.
The touchdown helped Coffee route Class 6A Tift County 55-7 and was a statement game for the #5 team in 5A.
“We always want to make a statement when we have an opportunity to go play football. We’ve worked hard leading up to this season,” Paulk said.
That measured approach in beating Tift County runs parallel to how Paulk envisions this season for Coffee and himself.
“I want to make All-Region and All-State and I want our team to maximize our potential and have a shot (of a Championship) at the end of the year,” he said.
As we mentioned at the top, Paulk is mostly now playing safety instead of cornerback. The junior talked more about the switch.
“I am playing safety more, where I can be more involved in all facets of our defensive plan, not just covering at corner.”
Paulk’s instincts reading the football and the receiver’s routes comes naturally for the 2024 prospect. He has quick feet and hips, and his top-end acceleration allows him to break on passes cutting in front of the receiver. All three of his career pick-sixes showcase the same kind of athleticism and prolific football IQ.
At around 5’10” and 170 lbs., the Coffee product might still end up being a better fit at cornerback at the next level, but nevertheless, he is showing a multiplicity of skills on the field. Speaking of the next level, Paulk talked briefly about the status of his recruitment.
“I have received some interest from FCS schools, but I expect to garner more interest as our season continues.”
The quick-footed defender was an impact player last year for Coffee and you can surely expect that will continue into this fall. He might not be the biggest of defensive backs, but his reactive feet and football instincts are top-tier, and we believe that more and more D1 programs will pile into his recruitment as his junior year progresses.
You’ll definitely want to keep an eye on Paulk, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter to hear the latest on the Coffee defensive back and many more players around the state of Georgia.
