This Serra LB is Built Different – And Colleges Need to Wake Up
By Tim Streets RepMax | info@repmax-qr.com Y’all… can we talk about Anthony Pignatello for a second? Because this dude is literally the definition of “main character energy” and somehow he’s STILL flying under the radar.
By Tim Streets
RepMax | info@repmax-qr.com
Y’all… can we talk about Anthony Pignatello for a second? Because this dude is literally the definition of “main character energy” and somehow he’s STILL flying under the radar.
At 6’3″ and 220 pounds, this Serra High linebacker isn’t just big – he’s THAT big. Like, the kind of big that makes you go “oh no” if you’re running straight at him. But here’s where it gets spicy: this man is pulling a 3.97 unweighted GPA while absolutely demolishing people on Friday nights.
We love a student-athlete who actually students AND athletes, you know what I’m saying?
The Mindset Hits Different
When I asked Anthony about his goals for senior year, his response was pure chef’s kiss:
“The goal is to win a state championship. The only way to measure success is by how the team does.”
Sir, this is 2025. Most high schoolers are worried about their highlight reels and TikTok followers. Meanwhile, Anthony said “nah, we want to WIN rings out here” and meant every word. The emotional maturity? Unmatched.
Family Influence = Everything
“My dad inspired me to play football,” Anthony told me, and honestly, you can hear the respect in his voice when he talks about family. That foundation shows up in everything he does – the work ethic, the coachability, the way he carries himself.
Football made him “a person who is a hard worker, can apply what he learns and take constructive criticism.” Period. That’s growth mindset energy right there.
The Grind Don’t Stop
This man’s offseason routine? INTENSE. While other players are taking summers off, Anthony was like “nah, we training every day.”
“My off season was filled with lots of training. I didn’t take many days off and put football improvement above all else.”
The dedication is giving professional athlete vibes, and he’s still in high school. Plyometrics, speed work, flexibility, recovery, nutrition – this dude understands the assignment on every level.
Big Coachable Energy
Want to know what separates good players from great ones? Anthony dropped some wisdom: “To be coachable you can’t take things personally. You have to be able to understand what coaches say, take it in and apply it.”
That’s not just football advice – that’s life advice. The emotional intelligence this kid has at 17/18? Most adults don’t have that figured out.
The Recruiting Situation (Needs Work, TBH)
Real talk – Anthony currently has offers from Portland State and USD, with some Ivy League schools checking him out. But WHERE ARE THE FBS PROGRAMS??
This is giving major “everyone’s gonna regret sleeping on him” energy. Like, this is the type of player who’s gonna be starting at a Power 5 school in two years while coaches are like “how did we miss him?”
“If a coach is watching me for the first time, I would want him to remember that I give 100% effort on each play and attack like it is my last game.”
PERIODT. That’s all you need to know about this kid’s mentality.
Why Anthony Pignatello is About to Be THAT Guy
- The Pressure Response: “These are the moments I’ve been training for and that’s the fun part of football—when it’s challenging and you put your learning and abilities to the test.” Like, sir, most people HATE pressure. You LIVE for it?
- Team Loyalty: His teammates know they can count on him for “100% effort” every single day. That’s the kind of energy you want in your locker room.
- Dream Big Energy: Asked where he’d want to play if he could choose any stadium? “Lambeau Field – one of the most historical and special, and I would want my family and friends there!”
The vision, the family values, the respect for the game’s history – this is what you want in a player.
Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep
Anthony Pignatello is about to have his main character moment this season. Serra’s championship dreams are literally resting on his shoulders, and based on everything I’ve seen and heard, he’s ready for that pressure.
College coaches who are still sleeping on this kid? Y’all about to be PRESSED when he’s dominating at the next level and you’re wondering why you weren’t in his DMs earlier.
Mark my words – this name is about to be everywhere. Don’t say nobody told you.
Follow us for more content that actually matters @repmax_io
Written by
RepMax Reporter
Contributor