The Journey of 2014 TE Drew Paulsen

[TAMPA] - One of the best kept secrets in the Tampa Bay area following the 2013 season, Tampa Jesuit tight end Drew Paulsen arrived late on the recruiting scene.  With only a month remaining until Signing Day, the only problem that existed for Paulsen was the lack of exposure his senior film had received.   Paulsen was Jesuit's top receiving threat in 2013 with 15 receptions (out of 16 passes thrown to him) for 280 yards and five touchdowns.  He was also the team's best blocking receiver, and in limited snaps, managed to record five sacks and 30 tackles from his defensive end position.   All the while, he carried a 3.2 GPA and scored a 1710 (1150 two-part) on the SAT. Once his senior film made the circuit, there was no shortage of college coaches hustling to recruit Paulsen to their football program.

GAINRecruiting.com shares the journey of Drew Paulsen in his own words culminating his signed letter of intent to join the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks.



THE BEGINNING

"I started playing football as part of the Tampa Bay Youth Football League in the 5th grade.  I played quarterback and running back on offense, and I led the team in interceptions on defense.  I quit playing football in 8th and 9th grade to focus on baseball.   During that time, my little league team won the Cal Ripken World Series."

TRANSITION BACK TO FOOTBALL

"After my freshman year, going into my sophomore year, I was cut from the baseball team.  I grew a couple inches from my freshman year so I told my dad I would try football again.  My first year back as a sophomore I started JV playing both ways, and I was called up to varsity at the end of the season.  That allowed me to get a jump start going into my junior season playing defensive end, but by the second game, they switched me over to tight end and I started there ever since."

"I was six-foot-two, 240-pounds as a junior so I was used primarily in blocking.   I recorded only two receptions for 40 yards, but lead the offense in pancakes.  Following my junior season, I focused on cutting my weight to 225 and I grew an inch to six-foot-three."

DEVELOPMENT AS A RECEIVER

"Heading into my senior season, we named a new head coach and ran more of a spread offense.   Coach (Vinny) Testaverde was our Offensive Coordinator and he did a great job featuring me as a receiver.  My out routes were normally two yard speed routes and I received the majority of my receiving yards running seam routes.  I have soft hands and if the ball is in play, I will come down with it even if it is in traffic."

RECRUITING

"After my junior season, Georgia Tech sent me letters as a defensive end prospect.   Heading into the spring evaluation period, I had between 20 and 30 schools stop by Tampa Jesuit to make an introduction during our spring practices.  Through my senior season, I only heard consistently from Bucknell and Lafayette and random schools would drop a note every once in a while.   Bucknell had extended me an official visit invitation, but later canceled.   Really, a month before Signing Day I did not know at all where I would be going to college."

"After getting my senior film out to schools, I received inquiries from Georgetown, Colgate, Florida International, and Buffalo.   Then, I started receiving more serious inquiries from Valparaiso, Robert Morris, and Lehigh; all three of whom worked hard to get me to go on an official visit.   I chose Lehigh as the one official visit I took, and the rest is history."

LEHIGH

"Lehigh was the strongest combination of athletics and academics.   When I visited, I loved the campus up north.  My dad is from up north so I am use to visiting the northeast.   I enjoy snow.  The campus had a small community feel; everything was within walking distance; and if I major in business all my classes are located centrally in the business building."

"I liked how straight forward the coaches were with me.  The coaches actually knew their players and had a personal relationship with each of them, and communicated well with them.  The entire coaching staff was very welcoming."

"I have as much as an opportunity to earn playing time as anyone else.  It's up to how hard I work and progress.  I don't think the plan is for me to redshirt."

CLOSING

"I think I'm entering Lehigh a good athlete, but they will transform to the next level.  I don't believe I have reached my potential.   I believe there is a stronger brotherhood you find at Lehigh than I found at most schools.  I'm working with the goal of playing in the NFL, but I am comfortable walking away with a degree from Lehigh."