NCAA Canadian profile: Tom Black, Oregon State (Winnipeg, MAN)

Over the next few months CFC will be profiling Canadians playing in the NCAA. CFC tracks all Canadian action south of the border and at the end of the year will update our ‘Canadians in US College’ list.

To check out the list of players that played in the NCAA / NAIA in 2009 please click here.

Check out the bottom of each article for links to other Canadian NCAA player articles.

Today’s Profile:
Tom Black
Defensive End
Oregon State (FBS)
RS Freshmen
Winnipeg, MAN
Oak Park

1) For those Canadians who do not already know, talk a little bit about how you got to where you are right now.

Well, it all started with minor football where I played for the Charleswood Broncos. I played four years with the Broncos before taking my grade 8 and 9 years off. I then played high school ball for Stu Nixon and the Oak Park Raiders. The time I spent with the Raiders was unforgettable. The memories were great and the people were even better. I thank all my coaches, players and the people behind the scenes for their support and effort in both the Raider organization and in players like myself. I would not be playing here in Oregon if it were not for them. I am currently a redshirt freshman who studies business.

2) What is the best thing about playing NCAA Football? What is the most challenging thing?

The NCAA, especially in the sport of football, is an avenue for success. Both academically and athletically, athletes are taught to utilize their potential and become the best they can be. Not to mention the quality resources available for those athletes (weight rooms, nutrition, trainers, etc.) as well as the high-level competition. One key factor about being a football player down south, especially in a division like the Pac-10, is that you can never let up because once you do you will without question fall behind. Thus far, my time at Oregon State has been a very challenging task, yet with dedication and commitment you begin to realize just how good you can be.

3) What is your biggest individual goal for 2010 season? Team goal?

Ultimately, my biggest individual goal as a player is to apply myself as best I can. In specific terms, one thing I would like to do is gain more weight as I was a converted defensive end from the linebacker position. Our team goal at Oregon State is the Rose Bowl.

4) What is something that people should know about you?

I am a hockey player who plays football. I love the sport of hockey and played the game for 14 years. I am an avid Leafs fan and always have been – although I did have a love for the Avalanche for the fact that Joe Sakic is my favourite athlete of all time. I’m as Canadian as it gets.

5) What advice do you have to young football players in Canada?

Some advice I would I give to young football players in Canada is this; the harder you work in high school the greater your opportunity will be at the next level and the further ahead you will be once you get to that point; get your film out there because it never hurts only helps; keep up your gpa, you want any advantage you can attain; and lastly make sure this is what you want, football is a commitment and you have to be willing to commit yourself.

Past Articles

Brandon Besant FB, Bucknell (Windsor, ON)

Tyreek Phillips DL, Furman (Brampton, ON)

Jacob Ruby OL, Richmond (London, ON)

Campbell Allison OL, Eastern Michigan (Kemptville, ON)

Jerome Miller RB, Missouri S & T (Toronto)

Philip Blake OL, Baylor (Toronto)

Marco Iannuzzi REC, Harvard University (Calgary)

George Pearkes TE, Duke University (Nelson, BC)

John Bender OL, Nevada (Cochrane, AB)

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