#CFCOPC PLAYERS TO WATCH: Team East Minor DL Macdonald itching to tackle

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the April 29th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and players participating in the big event.

When Malcolm Macdonald got wind of the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC), he knew it was an opportunity he could not simply pass up.

“I chose to try out for the OPC because I want to challenge myself and not miss out in an opportunity to show my skills in front of other coaches and teams,” Macdonald said.

He added that the highlight of the OPC so far has been “training with the coaches and being selected to join the team.”

The young defensive lineman will be suiting up for the Team East Minors (OPC). He currently stands at 5’7, 190 pounds. He has played a total of four seasons with the West Carleton Wolverines (National Capital Amateur Football Association) and one with the Beckwith Irish (Rideau Youth Football League).

As a defensive lineman, Macdonald sees the more physical side of the game. However, he finds joy in being able to use his size to his advantage. “I love to tackle the quarterback and cause fumbles,” he said.

While he loves to punish quarterbacks, it may be a bit surprising that his football inspiration is a quarterback. “Henry Burris is an inspiration on how he led his team to the Grey Cup in their 2nd year,” he said.

“I am a big fan of the Ottawa RedBlacks, I make it out to as many games as I can,” he added.

Coming into Tim Hortons Field, home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, as a RedBlacks may be trouble during the CFL season, but as an OPC player, Macdonald said he can’t wait. He said he has family from Hamilton that will be there to watch and support his Ottawa East Team.

The OPC promises to bring in the crowds, but Macdonald is ready for the pressure. “I am going to be well rested and focus on what the coaches ask me to do,” he said. “Take it one play at a time.”

He added that he is keeping himself well trained for this game by working out at the gym and doing push-ups and cardio.

The young defensive lineman is set to graduate in 2020 from the West Carleton High School, however he already has an idea of what he plans to do in his future. “I want a scholarship to a post-secondary school and higher. I want to make (football) my career,” he said.

While he won’t be recruitment eligible for a few years, Macdonald has had “a lot of fun” in the Carleton Ravens (CIS) winter camp. Other than that, he said he has not thought about CIS or U.S. schools.

When the OPC weekend is in full swing, Macdonald said “I want to do my best for the team and I want to accomplish my personal best by being coached. Meet new team mates and be a leader.”

He added, “I want to blast through the O-Line and get quarterback sacks. Get into that back field and put the pressure on the QB.”

And his team’s goals? Macdonald said to, “Have fun, never give up, and have a victory.”