Adversity guiding motivation for DT Ginn

No shortage of schools seeking the talents of the Jr. Mustangs standout

A standout from year one, London Jr. Mustangs defensive tackle John Ginn is preparing for the next step in his gridiron career.

John Ginn

Positions:
Defensive Tackle, Tight End

Height/Weight:
6’2, 305 lbs

Teams:
London Jr. Mustangs (OVFL)
Saint Andre Bessette (high school)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits
None

Considerations:
McMaster, Western, Mount Allison, Open

Class:
2017

Since taking up the sport in 2010 in the minor leagues of London, John Ginn has been a star on both sides of the ball, earning titles and accolades all along the way.

For his high school team Ginn has been named team captain each year and won the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) title with the London Jr Mustangs in 2014, his first year with the team.

From day one, Ginn knew that football was something he wanted to pursue.

“I fell in love after the first hit,” he said of his gridiron experience.

That passion for the game would also help Ginn stay focused and determined to come back to the game after suffering a torn ACL in early 2015. While many student athletes may have let such a serious injury derail their career, John decided that he was going to come back to football better than before.

“The news hit me really hard and there was a point I had to decide how I was going to let the injury affect me,” Ginn explained. “I chose to turn my injury into a positive thing and I soon I was off my crutches I was in the gym 3-5 times a week.

That hard work and mindset would help Ginn return to the football field 12 months after his injury, putting all of his training and recovery to the test in a tryout for Team Ontario. He made the team.

“I wanted to prove to everyone that I was better than I had ever been, and I was able to do so.”

John credits his motivation and confidence to his London Jr Mustangs coaching staff. It may be the coaches who have helped develop him into the talent he is today, but Ginn knows that everything starts with family, naming his parents, sister and grandparents as his greatest inspirations.

A hulking presence on the football field and driven for success of it, it is no surprise that Ginn has turned himself into an extremely sought after talent. He has made unofficial visits with universities such Western and Mount Allison while having a scheduled visit with McMaster.

Excited for the process of deciding where he would like to take the next phase of his gridiron journey, Ginn is happy to be courted by multiple schools, but is even more aware of how lucky he is.

“It’s crazy to hear people talk to you about being one of the best in the province. I am truly honored and blessed to be given the opportunity I have been given.”