Antwan Raymond is seated at a desk in an office within Rutgers University’s athletic complex, ready for a Zoom interview. He appears in casual attire, wearing grey sweats and a scarlet hoodie featuring a Nike swoosh near the collarbone.
Despite the slightly loose attire, Raymond’s muscular physique, developed since his time at Dalbé Viau High School in Lachine, Que., is evident. As he gears up for his third season at Rutgers, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back exudes a focused demeanor, adept at blocking out distractions to concentrate on the task at hand.
In the previous season, Raymond, originally from Pierrefonds in Montreal, impressed by rushing for 1,241 yards, ranking third in the competitive Big Ten conference. His 15 total touchdowns also placed him third, earning him a spot on the All-Big Ten second team and a semifinalist position for the prestigious Doak Walker Award recognizing the top NCAA running back.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Raymond aims to help Rutgers surpass their 5-7 record from the previous year and elevate the program to a higher standing within the Big Ten, alongside renowned teams like Ohio State. He is focused on enhancing his football knowledge, treating team meetings as valuable learning opportunities to elevate his performance on the field.
Raymond, a human resources management major who received Academic All-Big Ten honors last year, expresses his commitment to mastering the team’s offense, understanding defensive strategies, and enhancing his football IQ to excel in the game.
Having claimed the Jon Cornish Award for the most outstanding Canadian player in NCAA football last season, Raymond’s dedication to carrying Rutgers’ offensive load has positioned him as a rising star in Canadian sports. He acknowledges the significance of his success in inspiring youth back in Canada and at his alma mater, Dalbé Viau.
As NFL draft speculations swirl around him, Raymond remains focused on Rutgers’ upcoming games, deflecting attention from his potential professional football future. Recognized as the eighth-best draft-eligible running back in the NCAA, Raymond is praised for his vision on the field, with potential for further improvement in his speed and performance.
Raymond’s relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft have been evident since his high school days in Montreal, where he honed his skills under the guidance of mentors like Gilles Lezi. Lezi praises Raymond’s unwavering commitment to self-improvement and his ability to tackle challenges head-on, traits that have set him apart as a standout athlete.
With a promising future ahead, Raymond’s journey from Dalbé Viau High School to Rutgers exemplifies his determination to succeed in the world of college football and potentially beyond, as he continues to make strides towards his NFL aspirations.
