To say Lake Highlands defensive back Paul Broome is picky isn’t a reflection of his taste. That’s because Broome had 11 “picks” – football slang for interceptions – last season, more than any other player in Class 5A.
Broome, a 5-foot-9-inch, 155-pound senior free safety, had six pickoffs in the regular season, then went on a tear in the playoffs with five interceptions in three games.
He also had 95 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one quarterback sack and a safety. And remarkably, Broome wasn’t a starter until the season’s fourth game.
“I saw some playing time in the third game (against Haltom),” Broome says. “I had three picks in that game and started playing ever since.”
Broome says he averaged about two interceptions a season through junior high and while with the junior varsity.
“It’s instinct, I guess,” Broome says. “Just being lucky, being in the right spot.”
A position change may have something to do with Broome being in the right spot for interceptions. Until he was promoted to the varsity last season, Broome had always played cornerback, which left him one-on-one with a receiver most of the time. Now at free safety, he roams the field and seeks out the action.
“I like it (free safety) a lot better,” Broome says. “You’re not as isolated. You have more room to roam around.”
At 5-foot-9-inches, Broome may be hard for opposing quarterbacks to spot in the secondary. His weight can get as low as 145, but that just makes his faster. His best time in the 40-yard dash is an impressive 4.37.
“I play a lot of soccer, so it keeps my weight down,” he says.
Broome played midfielder last year on the school soccer team. He has also played club soccer with the Hornets, and will play for the Texans this year.
His soccer background is why Broome leans toward that sport when asked which game he likes better.
But Broome’s focus will be on football this fall. His junior high teams went undefeated at Forest Meadow, and Broome and the other seniors anticipate a big season.
“Everybody’s looking forward to this year,” Broome says. “Not losing anybody to injuries is the most important thing. And blending with the new coaches.”
As for personal goals, Broome says he wouldn’t mind leading the state again in interceptions, but it’s not his top priority.
“It doesn’t really matter to me,” Broome says. “I just want the team to win the whole thing. That’s all I want to do.”
