MONTREAL – A Quebec running back with Rutgers University, part of the powerful Big Ten division, represents a remarkable, if not monumental, achievement. However, Antwan Raymond seems undeterred by challenges.
Sports give us the chance to witness unforgettable performances. After two decades at RDS, I consider myself fortunate in this aspect. If I told you that one of the most memorable moments did not take place on an NFL, NHL, or CFL field, but rather during a game at Dalbé-Viau high school, you might find that surprising.
In November 2022, amid pouring rain, I was captivated by an incredible performance from Raymond. In the semi-final against Collège Bourget, he charged through the opposing defense while many anticipated a focus on running plays due to the torrential downpour.
That night, he scored 5 touchdowns and accumulated 297 yards on 28 carries, averaging 10.6 yards per carry. Raymond accounted for ALL of his team’s 35 points in a 35-28 victory.
As my damp laundry struggled to dry on the ride home, my thoughts were consumed with the bright future that lay ahead for him.
Quickly, the rest followed. Thanks to a standout season in 2023 at Clearwater Academy in Florida, he received around 30 offers from prestigious NCAA programs, including Auburn, Miami, Texas A&M, and Syracuse.
“I was heading into my second year at Clearwater, but the football program shut down. I was uncertain about what the future held. After speaking with my mother, Rutgers offered me a great opportunity to join them this year. I believed it was the best choice for me, as I was mentally and physically ready,” explained the five-foot-eleven, 202-pound athlete.
When he was dominating in Quebec, Raymond believed in his talent to make it to the NCAA.
“Absolutely. I always had faith in myself. But it would be unfair to say I achieved this alone. It’s also due to my coaches and teammates. My family has always supported me,” Raymond responded in an interview with Didier Orméjuste and the author of this piece.
When he speaks of family, he refers to his mother, sister, and grandmother. Raymond draws his resilience and determination from the women around him.
“Everything I do—working hard on the field and all my decisions—always involves thoughts of my mother, grandmother, and sister,” noted the one who grew up in a single-parent household.
“Wow, my mom is the hardest worker I know. Since childhood, she has juggled two jobs to support my sister and me. I recognize the effort she puts in every day to provide for us, along with all the sacrifices she has made,” Raymond expressed with gratitude.
This commitment to football enabled Raymond to shine far sooner than expected. An injury to a teammate meant he had the opportunity to carry the ball in the first two games of the 2024 season, although he was originally meant to transition to college football in 2025.
However, true to his larger-than-life style, he managed to score two touchdowns and rush for 126 yards on 23 carries (averaging 5.5 yards per carry).
When he scored his first NCAA touchdown, Raymond relished the moment, thinking of his loved ones. He gestured a 514 to the camera, a nod to the Montreal area code.
“I was incredibly proud; I come from Montreal, and I take great pride in that. I never want to forget where I came from. Everyone who has supported me along my journey will be family to me for life, regardless of the path I choose,” Raymond stated.
After four games, his team remains undefeated. Rutgers may even achieve its best season since 2014 (8-5) in this tough division, which recently added Oregon, USC, Washington, and UCLA.
This paints a promising picture, as Raymond is set to become an increasingly significant player for the Scarlet Knights in the coming years.
“My coaches do a fantastic job preparing me every week. They understand that I’m young and have much to learn. Ultimately, my opponents may be taller, bigger, and faster, but it’s still football. I know what I can do with the ball and that I’m skilled at this sport,” said the athlete, who wears number 21 for Rutgers.
The team, coached by Greg Schiano, has produced numerous players who have succeeded in the NFL, including twins Devin and Jason McCourty, as well as running backs Ray Rice and Isiah Pacheco.
Raymond is confident that he can add his name to that list, especially with Quebecers like Benjamin St-Juste and Matthew Bergeron establishing themselves at the professional level.
“Seeing Canadians in the NFL is a tremendous inspiration. It shows me that I have a path to get there,” he confided, mentioning his admiration for the skill sets of Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey.
That would make his journey even more captivating. At Rutgers, he plays in front of over 40,000 fans. In the NFL, his talent would be showcased to even larger audiences. However, Raymond’s motivation runs deeper than the size of the crowd; he aims to honor his family and his peers at Dalbé-Viau, who passionately follow his rise.
Antwan Raymond: Rising Star in NCAA Football from Quebec
MONTREAL – A Quebec running back with Rutgers University, in the powerful Big Ten division, is a great – or rather – immense feat. But nothing seems too daunting for Antwan Raymond.
A Memorable Performance
Sport allows us to witness unforgettable performances. In two decades at RDS, I have been more than fortunate in this regard. If I told you that one of the most memorable did not occur on an NFL, NHL or CFL field, but in a game at Dalbé-Viau high school.
In November 2022, in pouring rain, I was blown away by a magical performance by Raymond. In the semi-final, against Collège Bourget, he “pounded” on the bodies of his opponents while everyone expected running games due to the torrential rain.
An evening of 5 touchdowns and 297 yards on 28 carries (average of 10.6 yards per carry). Raymond scored ALL of his team’s 35 points in a 35-28 win.
As my laundry struggled to dry on the ride home, I could only think of the bright future that awaited it.
Breakout Season and a New Opportunity
The rest came quickly. Thanks to a breakout season in 2023 at Clearwater Academy in Florida, he received approximately 30 offers from coveted NCAA institutions including Auburn, Miami, Texas A&M, and Syracuse.
“I was heading into my second year (at Clearwater), but the football program shut down. I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I spoke with my mother and Rutgers presented me with a great opportunity to join them this year. I felt like it was the best thing for me because I was mentally and physically ready,” explained the five-foot-eleven, 202-pound athlete.
Aiming for the NCAA
When he ruled the roost in Quebec, Raymond felt he had the talent to reach the NCAA.
“100%. I always believed in myself. But it would be a crime to say that I succeeded on my own. It’s also thanks to my coaches and my teammates. My family was still there, I had all the support,” Raymond reacted in an interview.
The Role of Family Support
When he talks about his family, he refers to his mother, his sister, and his grandmother. Because Raymond got his resilience and determination from the women around him.
“Everything I do: all this work in the field and all the decisions I make, I always think of my mother, my grandmother, and my sister,” said Raymond.
“Wow, my mom is the hardest working person I know. Since I was little, she has worked two jobs to support me and my sister. I know the work she put in every day so that we could eat and all the sacrifices made,” Raymond added gratefully.
Taking the Next Step
This dedication to football allowed Raymond to shine much faster than expected. An injury to a teammate allowed him to get carries in the first two games of the 2024 season, originally slated for 2025.
In his debut season, Raymond scored two touchdowns and logged 126 yards on 23 carries (average of 5.5 yards per carry).
First NCAA Touchdown
When he scored his first NCAA touchdown, Raymond savored the moment while thinking of his loved ones. He threw a 514 at the camera in reference to the Montreal regional code.
“I was very proud, I come from Montreal and I have great pride in that. I never want to forget where I came from,” said Raymond.
Season Outlook and Team Performance
After four matches, his team has not yet suffered defeat. Rutgers could even have its best season since 2014 (8-5) in this tough division which has just added Oregon, USC, Washington, and UCLA to its ranks.
Raymond’s Growth and Aspiration
Raymond expresses optimism about his growing role within the Scarlet Knights.
“My coaches do a really good job of preparing me every week. They know that I am young and that I have a lot to learn,” he mentioned.
He wears number 21 for Rutgers and aims to follow in the footsteps of notable alumni like Ray Rice and Isiah Pacheco.
Inspiration from Canadian NFL Players
Raymond believes he is capable of adding his name to the list of NFL standouts, especially seeing Quebecers like Benjamin St-Juste and Matthew Bergeron establishing themselves in the league.
“Seeing Canadians in the NFL is a great inspiration. It shows me that I can go there,” Raymond affirmed.
Connecting with His Roots
Raymond’s aspirations extend beyond personal achievements. He aims to honor his family and friends from Dalbé-Viau who passionately follow his journey.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Touchdowns in Semi-Final (2022) | 5 |
| Yards in Semi-Final (2022) | 297 yards |
| Average Yards per Carry (2024) | 5.5 |
| Teams Interested | Auburn, Miami, Texas A&M, Syracuse |
Conclusion: A Promising Future Ahead
The journey of Antwan Raymond from the small fields of Quebec to the demanding arenas of NCAA football illustrates not just talent but also perseverance, dedication, and the importance of support. As he continues to evolve, Raymond looks set to make a significant impact not just for Rutgers but potentially in the NFL, fueled by ambition and a deep connection to his roots.
