GOODYEAR – Desert Edge defensive back Antonio Para considered staying in the state and walking on at the University of Arizona, but when an offer from Southern Utah University came his way, he decided to commit to play football for the program that wanted him.
Para played a huge role in the Scorpions’ 5A state championship run in 2024 and now that his high school career is complete, he is looking forward to the next part of his journey in Cedar City, Utah.
“I was thinking I was going to get an opportunity to walk on to U of A,” Para said. “But now I’m going to college for free at a place that wants me, so I feel like that was more important, and I should commit right away wherever people give me a chance.”
The discussions Para had with the coaches at Southern Utah made his decision that much easier.
“They were really interested in getting me down there right away,” Para said. “I had good conversations with my coaches. I think coaching is very important.”
Para formed a special connection with nickel backs coach Nate Lealao at Southern Utah almost immediately, thanks to a familiar background. Both hail from the Bay Area.
“I liked my position coach,” Para said. “I feel like when you meet someone where you’re from or born, I feel like it’s a cool connection, but I already liked him and his energy and I’m like, ‘I think I definitely would be willing to work for this coach for sure.’”
Para is ready to play for a new coaching staff, but he won’t forget any of the coaches at Desert Edge and what they meant to him and his development.
“Coach Henri (MacArthur) definitely had a huge impact on every offer I’ve gotten because of how he described me to coaches, and they would pick up on what I’m all about since Henri put in a good word for me,” Para said.
Along with the coaching staff at Southern Utah, securing playing time was a big factor for Para and his decision to commit. With aspirations of someday reaching the NFL, he decided that playing for the Thunderbirds is the best place to start developing.
Last season, Southern Utah finished 7-5 overall and 6-2 in the United Athletic Conference, ending the season on a six-game winning streak.
“Film over anything is more important. So I say I’m going to go where I think I could play pretty soon,” Para said. “I want to be wherever I can develop best to go to the NFL.”
After completing the high school part of his football journey, Para is being patient.
“I think taking it one step at a time and not getting too ahead of yourself is probably a priority and to really just focus on the moment,” Para said. “I don’t really worry about the next few years. I’ll be where I need to be, but right now I have to take the steps to get there.”
Despite putting up elite defensive statistics in his senior year of high school – a 5A Desert West Region-high 112 tackles and 6.5 sacks – Para didn’t receive many college offers, but still the Scorpions defensive back remained positive, especially considering his unique path in football.
“I’m not disappointed because I started playing football my freshman year,” Para said. “A lot of people would dream to be in the position that I have, and I did it in four years of being in high school.
“I had two weeks of practice before my first game because I joined late. I felt like I would have regretted the opportunity, so I was like, ‘I’m just gonna go play’ and I fell in love.”
Para appeared in two games his sophomore year, and then solidified himself on the roster his junior and senior seasons playing in every game, racking up 181 tackles and 8.5 sacks between the two seasons.
Beyond his talent, Para’s leadership and personality leaves a lasting mark at Desert Edge.
“It’s gonna be missed big time. You know Para is one of those guys you can’t ever replace,” MacArthur said. “It’s gonna take a lot of guys collectively to fill that role, but nobody’s just gonna step in for him and be who he was. He brought a ton of energy and passion to the team.”
Para’s leadership as a team captain helped guide the Scorpions to a 5A championship, setting the standard for future players.
“He’s cemented himself in Desert Edge history as one of the best to come through here, as a person, as a player, and his work ethic,” MacArthur said. “Really happy for Antonio and looking forward to seeing what he does at the next level.”
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