Texas A&M lands commitment from four-star LB Antonio "Joker" Doyle
St. Louis (MO) Lutheran North linebacker Antonio Doyle, also known as Joker, has been a longtime priority for Texas A&M, and the 6-3, 240-pound defender has always been intrigued by the Aggies.
After taking official visits to Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Illinois, Doyle narrowed his list to three — Missouri, Illinois and Texas A&M. Then, he shifted his focus away from recruiting towards his senior season. After helping Lutheran North claim a state championship, he decided he was ready to make his choice.
Doyle received his Texas A&M offer in January, and the Aggies have been in pursuit ever since.
“I think they have been relentlessly recruiting him. I think they’ve done an excellent job,” Lutheran North head coach Carl Reed said. “I think it’s as thorough of a job of recruiting as I’ve seen in my 17 years as a high school coach, and that’s from Jimbo Fisher to Joe Jon Finley to Mike Elko and Bradley Dale Peveto. They’ve done an excellent job recruiting him and identifying him and letting him know he is a top priority for them. They’ve done a great job recruiting him.”
There are several reasons for his decision but head coach Jimbo Fisher played a big role in his choice. Even before Fisher began recruiting him, and before he was at Texas A&M, Fisher had his attention.
“I have wanted to help coach Fisher win a national championship since he was in the Alabama/Florida State game. I wanted to be that kid to make a difference,” Doyle said. “I want College Station to know history is in the making and amazing things are going to happen.”
There are a few reasons why coach Fisher has always had his attention.
“The ability to lead, the games he has won, and the people he has coached,” Doyle said.
Playing in Kyle Field and winning big games are high priorities, but he is looking forward to more important things as he prepares for his days in College Station.
“I’m looking forward to being shaped as a man, and becoming a better football player and father,” Doyle said.
He is the second linebacker in Texas A&M’s 2020 recruiting class joining Richmond (TX) Fort Bend Bush LB Kenneth Phillips, and he is also the second St. Louis-area commitment for the Aggies alongside East St. Louis (IL) S Antonio Johnson.
He is the 21st member of Texas A&M’s recruiting class.
As a senior Doyle recorded 73 tackles, 12 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 2 FR, and he showed why he is nicknamed Joker.
“You never know what to expect with me,” Doyle said. “I’m a goofy guy off the field, but on the field I’m the most dangerous.”
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