Coates settling in Ragin' Cajun country
Anahuac's Quandre Coates stretches out for the score against the Coldspring Trojans. Coates is moving to the collegiate level and is already working out and attending classes at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will utilize the skills of Anahuac High School graduate Quandre Coates as he transitions to the collegiate level.
ANAHUAC– Summer is not quite over for most, but for athletes at the collegiate level, work has already begun, and that includes one recent Anahuac High School graduate.
That, of course, is Quandre Coates, as he is already on campus at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he will suit up for the Ragin' Cajuns.
If you're a defensive back or a linebacker, the last thing you want to see is Coates making a reception and hitting the open field at full steam running in your direction. At 6'5 and 257 pounds, Coates is an imposing force on the football field with his size, speed and hands.
"I had about a week to enjoy graduation, and then we had to report to school for summer workouts and classes," said Coates. "It is already working as I feel bigger, stronger and faster already."
The former Panther moved to tight end when he was a sophomore at Anahuac, and the looks from colleges began. That season, he caught 48 passes for 671 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"That year I started to get looks from colleges, and over the next couple of years it was ULL and Texas State that it came down to," Coates said. "I picked ULL because it felt like home and I really like the coaches."
Coates not only has been lifting weights and running, but he also has been studying the team's extensive playbook.
"It is a lot more to learn than the playbook at Anahuac," Coates said with a chuckle. "I am getting it down, though."
Coates has already started taking classes when he isn't focused on football.
He has gotten to enjoy some downtime and has been going to Top Golf in Lafayette with some of his teammates.
"It is good to be able to chill a little bit and enjoy some other things," Coates said.
Asked if he thinks he will step on the field this season, Coates said there is a lot of competition at tight end, but he is hoping to get some looks on the field.
As Coates enters his next chapter, he is quick to remember those who helped him get to this point, thanking his aunt and grandmother for being instrumental in his upbringing. He said they are looking forward to seeing him play as a Ragin' Cajun.
ULL will open the season at home on Aug. 30 against the Rice Owls.