Recruit Spotlight: OC Joshua Mote, Oak Grove

Recruit Spotlight: OC Joshua Mote, Oak Grove

by Jace LeJeune and Alex Martin

Oak Grove Center Joshua Mote has been one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the state with what he has been able to accomplish during his high school career at a small school. Oak Grove High School may not be a huge school, but the Tigers have been a football powerhouse for a long time. With multiple state championships, the Tigers have been one of the best 1A football programs in Louisiana High School football history. However, it has been a while since the Tigers have rekindled their magic of being championship contenders. It has been a while until this year when Oak Grove won over 10 games and came up short in the semi final game against Haynesville for a chance to go to the state championship. The main reason for the Tigers’ success could be the running game with Sam Philley running the ball this season, but it was the veteran center Joshua Mote that anchored the offensive line and led the successful offense for the Tigers. In his career, Mote has been named All-District every year of his high school career and All-State three times. Joshua Mote was even named to our 1st All-Louisiana team at the beginning of the season as well as the cover of our magazine. The biggest accomplishment for Mote may have been named team captain by his teammates. Oak Grove may not be the biggest school, but they are big in producing great teams and great players such as Joshua Mote. Louisiana Football Magazine Editor and T.V. Host Lee Brecheen had this to say about the veteran center from Oak Grove High School at the beginning of the football season.

“Joshua Mote was born to play center,” Brecheen said. “He is tough, mean, smart, and has good feet.  Joshua is originally from Mississippi and moved to Louisiana. He recently committed to Louisiana Tech and could play very fast because he is highly advanced at the position.”

Unlike other big time recruits, Joshua Mote has stayed true to his commitment and has signed with the Bulldogs on National Signing Day. It was a great pickup for Skip Holtz and the Bulldogs as they picked up a center that has all the tools to become a complete center. Our own Alex Martin caught up with the Louisiana Tech signee to talk about his great high school career, his senior season, signing with Louisiana Tech, and much more in today’s recruit spotlight!

LAFM: What is your name, age, and school you play for?

Joshua Mote, 18, and Oak Grove High School.

LAFM: What is your height and weight?

6’3, 280 lbs.

LAFM: What is your ACT score and GPA?

ACT: 22, GPA: 3.7

LAFM: What is your max bench press, max squat, vertical, and 40-yard time?

Bench: 325, Squat: 585, Vertical: 27, 40yd Dash: 5.2

LAFM: What are your accomplishments at Oak Grove?

Team Captain, 4x All-District, 3x All-NELA, 3x All-State, 2x Composite All-State.

LAFM: You signed with Louisiana Tech. What is it about the school that attracted you to go play football there?

The tradition, success, academics, and the people surrounding the program are all reasons why I signed with Louisiana Tech.

LAFM: What are your strengths as a football player?

My strengths are being physical every play, my quickness, and having good hips.

LAFM: What are some areas that you need to improve on at the next level?

The biggest thing, for me, is grasping concepts of the game and being able to use my hands with good placement.

LAFM: If you had to pick any Louisiana high school team to play against for one more game, what team would you pick and why?

I would play either Sterlington or Haynesville again. I respect them both.

I played against some talent at DT. I would say probably #77 from Delhi Charter (Kendal Offord). He was a very smart player that knew what he was doing.

LAFM: Who is the college or NFL player that you model your game after and why?

I want to model my game after Dallas Cowboys center Travis Fredricks. He is very physical, knows how to finish blocks, and has a quick first step off the ball. I also model my game after Alex Mack ,the center for the Atlanta Falcons, because of his toughness and ability to play while blocking out the pain.

LAFM: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I usually have a Bible verse that I pick out and focus on.

LAFM: What is your favorite go to pre-game meal?

We have chicken strips and mashed potatoes before every game.

LAFM: Who is your favorite music artist you like to listen to before each game?

I usually pick out an album that I’ll listen to throughout the day, and most of the time, it was a Hillsong Worship album.

LAFM: Is there anybody in your family that has played high school, college, or even pro football?

My Dad and Uncle both played at Tech together, and then, my grandfather played college football. My uncle, Josh Bradley played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans in the 90’s.

LAFM: What do you plan to major in college?

I plan to major in Kinesiology.

LAFM: What is an interesting fact about yourself that our readers don’t know about?

I’ve been playing drums for seven years. I love playing music with friends.

LAFM: Is there anybody that you’d like to give a shout out to?

I want to say thank you to my Mom/Dad, family, coaches, and friends for everything they have done to help me become the person and player that I am today.

 

(Interview done by Alex Martin)

Alex is from Cut Off, LA and is attending Louisiana State University and majoring in Sports administration with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate from South Lafourche High School. While at South Lafourche, Alex played baseball for the Tarpons earning All-District and All-Region honors. On weekends, Alex is a little league baseball coach and enjoys training youth baseball. At home, Alex enjoys time with family and friends.