The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29th weekend at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will profile the teams and players participating in the big event.
Adre Simmonds always holds his head high on the gridiron.
“Some of the biggest attributes I bring to the game is my ability to always have a good attitude towards the game,” stated the St. Andrews Saints standout. “I think having a good attitude towards the game in unpredictable situations has helped me develop the ability to stay positive and continue to encourage my teammates.”
“I also pride myself on my vision and footwork on the field.”
Simmonds feeds off the exhilaration and adrenaline rush that playing running back provides.
“I play running back because I like the excitement the position brings. Having to run through the line avoiding the defence is always fun,” expressed the 5’11, 180-pounder. “My favourite part about playing running back would have to be getting to run the field and getting into open space to make moves on the defenders.”
Simmonds models his game after some of the most elite tailbacks in the game, both past and present.
“Some football idols of mine would have to be Adrian Peterson and Walter Payton. Not only do I admire their on the field work ethic but I also like their off-field training,” he said. “I would Ā say I try to base my game off of LeSean McCoy and Leāveon Bell because of the way they move in open space and are able to see the hole develop.”
On April 30, he will take to Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton and strap on the pads for Team Central at the Ontario Prospect Challenge.
“I was introduced to OPC by my coaching staff at St. Andrews College,” he mentioned. “This experience has given me the opportunity to expose myself to different levels of coaching by different staff.Ā Iām looking forward to being able to play for different coaches during the game.”
The Nova-Scotian-born running back is looking forward to facing some formidable competition at this year’s event.
“Iām looking forward to the competition OPC is going to have. They will have the best athletes playing in this game and I look forward to the challenge,” elaborated Simmonds. “I am hoping this game creates the opportunity for potential universities to recognize my skills and become familiar with me and what I bring to the game.”
He is confident in himself and his abilities heading intoĀ the OPC.
“I think Iām ready for the stage that has been set and am confident in my skills. I feel the training I have done has prepared me, I think our team will do well,”Ā he said of playing under the added pressure.
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