Written by Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
It’s been a long time coming for 2025 running back Antwan Raymond. The 3-star prospect has made the most of his move from Canada, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards in five games playing for Clearwater Academy International. Now he’s starting to gain national attention but for Raymond, this was always in the works.
“I could never forget about the people in Canada that have helped me throughout this whole process,” Raymond said. “I’ve been working so hard for these moments. I’m not going to say I’m surprised because I knew this was going to come. I’m just blessed to be here.”
Raymond is top 10 in rushing yards in his junior season where he’s shown the ability to be a do-it-all back for CAI. At 5-11, 200 pounds, he’s a bowling ball when rolling through the lanes and is dynamic enough to bounce it outside when needed. It’s the added blocking component that solidifies Raymond as an overall DOG.
“As a running back, I know how to run hard, block, and you can put me in at any down,” Raymond said. “When I have the ball in my hands you can trust me. I’m pretty big but I can also get shifty as well. In my bag, I have a lot of versatility.”
When you’re that versatile on the field, it usually produces big-time offers. Texas A&M was the latest to build a relationship and offer him.
Raymond shared his thoughts on the program and offer.
“I know a little bit about the program and I’ve been talking with the assistant running backs and running backs coach,” Raymond said. “It’s a great offer and I’d love to build a better relationship with the coaching staff.”
USF and staff have also been showing Raymond a lot of consistent love. He likes the fresh start that new head coach Alex Golesh brings and the underdog mentality the program has.
“I love that program and the way coach Golesh came in and helped the program,” Raymond said. “I love how they have that underdog mentality like it’s us against the world. I see myself quite a bit in that offense because we already run it and I’m already familiar with how they play.”
No official visits locked in yet but the in-state big three are on the list for Raymond.
“FSU has been one of my dream schools since I was young,” Raymond said. “Seeing great and elite running backs come out of that program, it’s been one of my favorite programs all time.”
Raymond also mentioned interest and conversations with Florida and Miami coaching staff and would love an offer from either.
“Visiting schools for me just gets me hungry,” Raymond said. “I just want to play Division 1 football even more when I go on visits.”
Still more games to play and another year for Raymond to add to his frame and bag of skills, but he’s already shown the upside to play at the next level.
Despite the rough start to the campaign for CAI after playing good competition, Raymond appreciates the opportunity to shine bright in the sunshine state and thinks his team can still shock a lot of people to end the season.
“I just thank the Clearwater Academy program for taking a risk on me,” Raymond said. “Being a Canadian kid, we dream for times like this, we work hard for times and I always keep that on my shoulders.
“A lot of people are looking from outside and don’t think we’re too good,” Raymond said. “As a team, we’ve got better playing with each other and together so these upcoming weeks we’re going to shock the world for sure.”
*Offer List: Texas A&M, USF, Toledo, Liberty, Indiana, Western Michigan, and more.
