Adameon Botley is a class of 2022 offensive lineman for Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Louisiana. He stands at a towering 6’5” and weighs 307 lbs, the kind of size that translates to the next level. Botley also boasts an impressive 4.0 GPA and is involved in extracurricular activities geared to helping his community.
How long have you been playing football?
A: I started playing only four years ago. I didn’t really realize that this was something I could do past high school until Coach Pelliquin sat me down and showed me that this could be my future. When he did that it was like it flipped a switch, it made me focus on getting better at my game and I have been in love with that concept of constantly getting better ever since.
Do you play any other positions or only offensive line?
A: I play defensive tackle also. I feel like everyone usually assumes that I would rather play defensive line because you get to hit people. But in reality, I prefer offensive line because I like to block people, and to block people you have to have trust in every aspect of the line. We literally have to be like a family on the offensive line in how we work as one unit so that our QB doesn’t get killed. Another reason I prefer offensive line, is because we set the tempo for the game. If we are firing off the ball and pushing the defensive line back every play, then our running backs can get as many yards as they want. If we are holding tight splits and keeping our defenders in front of us, then our QB has all the time in the world to make a play. So being a part of that system is what I love about playing offensive line.
What did your off-season training regiment look like?
A: In the summer, I would wake up every morning for workouts and conditioning. After morning workouts, I would usually go home and rest. Next, I would go back to the gym for another slight workout to focus on little things that I could get better at like getting a little bit slimmer by putting on more muscle. Other than that, I was attending a lot of camps. Those camps helped me stay in the football mindset. I got a lot of great input from different coaches which helped me broaden my horizons.
What kind of offensive lineman would you describe yourself as? Is your game more power driven or agility driven?
A: I’d say that I’m in the middle of both. I play very aggressive but I also keep in mind I have to stick to my technique. If I just run around and try and bulldoze everybody, one day I’m gonna meet a guy who I can’t overpower with my size. If I stay in front of the defender and use my hands and feet, I won’t have a problem keeping him away from my quarterback.
How would your teammates describe you?
A: I think they would describe me as a guy who jokes a lot, a guy who is humble and not show-boaty. It’s no secret that I joke a lot, but I know when to get serious.
What is a part of your game that you feel like you need to get better at?
A: I think my speed and footwork can be better. I want to get my footwork quicker so that I can stay in front of people longer and be more agile. I was working on this a lot this off-season just doing different drills like ladders, cones, and L drills trying to get my time cut down.
Do you have any role models who have inspired you? It can be football related or just life?
A: My mom really pushes me to do everything I want and accomplish my dreams so she is definitely someone that comes to mind.
What are you thinking pre-snap?
A: That I am about to whip this dude’s tail. It may sound cocky but that is how you have to play, there is no “if I block him,” I am going to block him and when I’m pushing him down he’s not going to get back up. That is just my mentality when I play. Other than that, I am thinking about what kind of step I need to take before the play happens.
What is something that recruiters should know about you?
A: That I am a hard working person. I’m a smart person too, so they don’t have to worry about me with classes and everything because I stay on top of them. Also that I am coachable, I am not the kind of person who gets mad if a coach is screaming at me, I’m gonna take that criticism and work harder to show you that I can do it correctly.
Why do you play football?
A: I love the sport. It’s funny because as a kid I didn’t really care for it, but as I’ve gotten older it has grown on me and now I can’t get enough. There is really just no feeling like being out on that field; it really is just indescribable.
Do you think football has affected you as a person? Why or why not?
A: It has made me become a leader and do what I need to take charge on the field. It has also helped me realize that if something isn’t going my way, I can’t quit. I have to keep working because the hard work is gonna pay off one day.
Has football taught you any valuable lessons?
A: Yeah, it has taught me how to trust people and how to open up. Not all people are bad, some people are hard headed but that does not mean they have bad character. Football has taught me a lot about myself as well. It taught me that other people are more receptive to you when you are kind and humble. People treat you better when they feel like they can trust you.
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