Class 2013: Tyler Toplinski emerging into elite defensive threat (Video X 2)

Today, CFC features class 2013 star defensive end from St. Andrew’s College Saints, Tyler Toplinski. Tyler began his football career at the age of eight for the Markham Raiders.

Tyler Toplinski

Positions:
Defensive End, Outside Linebacker

Height/Weight:
6’3, 220 lbs

Teams:
St. Andrew’s College Saints (high school: CISAA)
Upper Canada College Blues (high school: CISAA)
Toronto Thunder (varsity: OVFL)
Markham Raiders (tyke/atom/peewee)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Open

Class:
2013

In seven seasons with the Markham Raiders, Tyler played many different positions including wide receiver, safety, cornerback, and linebacker. The standout had to do a bit of a juggling act in his last two seasons with the team. Living in Romania at the time, Tyler would fly back to Canada in the summers to play for the Raiders.

In 2009, Tyler suited up for the Upper Canada College Blues. During his rookie campaign, the standout played a pivotal role in the success of the team (played outside linebacker and defensive end). The Blues were victorious in the Canadian Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) junior championship final and also eanred a berth into the Metro Bowl play downs.

Moving up into the senior Blues team the next year, Tyler played alongside his brother and cousin. The star athlete contributed to the Blues success of winning a senior CISAA championship and making a Metro Bowl semi-final appearance.

This past season marked a change of scenery for the standout. Due to academic reasons, Tyler transferred to St. Andrew’s College. As a defensive end for the Saints, he excelled on the field as he amassed a league leading 10 sacks. Consequently, Tyler led the Saints into the CISAA senior championship game where he faced a familiar opponent: his previous high school team, the Blues.

Contributing with a sack, multiple tackles and one batted ball, the Saints defensive end led the team to the championship title. Moreover, the Saints earned a ticket to the Metro Bowl, where they ended up as finalists.

Being part of all these CISAA championship teams have provided Tyler with special moments for different reasons.

“This past year supplied many memorable experiences through winning three championships in a row,” explains Tyler, who also played for the Toronto Thunder of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), who was league champions in 2010. “Winning two of them with my brother is one of the things I will never forget.”

“However for me personally, winning this past CISAA championship provided the most gratification because I was able to contribute a large amount to our team’s success.”

For the last two seasons, the defensive end has been selected as a GTA Rising Star. In his first year being selected, he had the opportunity to travel to Quebec for the game. Tyler will play for the second straight time in the game at McMaster University on May 6th.

All the success Tyler has enjoyed on the field has come as a result of the motivation and encouragement of his older brother Michael, a defensive back with the McMaster Marauders.

“At the age of 15, my brother started working out and I immediately followed his footsteps,” says the Saints defensive end, whose brother was part of the 2011 Vanier Cup winning Marauders team. “This led to me start working out at the age of 13, which is much younger than most football athletes.”

“Without my brother leading the way, I would not be as physically inclined or motivated. My brother keeps my hopes up when I’m down and constantly pushes me to strive for greatness.”

Not only are Tyler’s accomplishments on the field exceptional, but his measurable are equally impressive: 300 lbs. bench press max, 12 bench press reps at 225 lbs, 500 lb deadlift max, and a 4.77 time in the 40 yard dash.

While he hopes to continue playing football with aspirations to play in the CFL or NFL, Tyler would like to follow in his family’s footsteps. In university, he would like to obtain a Master’s of Business Administration in real estate development with the goal of continuing in the family business after his football career ends.

“I strive to follow my father’s footsteps and provide for my family,” adds the Saints defensive end.

Football has given Tyler the recipe for success in achieving all present and future goals.

“There is no substitute for hard work, dedication, and heart,” comments Tyler. “As long as you are pushing to your max, there is no way you can fail.”

Len Gurr has been fortunate to have the opportunity to instruct Tyler this past season. The Saints head coach explains the defensive end’s growth and strengths as a player.

“Tyler is an outstanding athlete who’s just beginning to realize his potential as a football player,” says Gurr. “His ability to impact the game as a pass rusher is already evident, but we’re looking forward to his continual development as more than just an edge rusher.”

“We believe his combination of size and speed will make him an exceptional linebacker in his senior season.”

Since he arrived at Saint Andrew’s College, Tyler has also been an academic role model.

“Away from the field, Tyler is everything that we want in a St. Andrew’s student,” explains Gurr. “His maturity and dedication to academics has endeared him to his teachers.”

Overall, the Saints head coach sees a bright future for the defensive end.

“I have no doubt that he is poised to enjoy considerable success on the field and off of it in the coming months and years,” comments Gurr.

Video of Tyler’s Football Highlights:

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