Class 2012: Adam Melanson, DE/FB/LS, Horton Griffins (video)

Today, CFC features class 2012 star defensive end/fullback/long snap from the Horton Griffins, Adam Melanson. Adam started his football career at the age of 10 with the peewee Valley Bulldogs.

Adam Melanson

Positions:
Defensive End, Full Back and Long Snap

Height/Weight:
6’2, 250 lbs

Teams:
Horton Griffins (high school)
Valley Bulldogs (peewee/bantam)
Team Nova Scotia under-18

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Saint Mary’s, Saint Francis Xavier, Mount Allison, Calgary, Queen’s, University of Toronto, and Guelph

Class:
2012

Adam Melanson began playing football at the age of 10. As a team member for four years with the peewee Valley Bulldogs, Adam was awarded with rookie of the year, lineman of the year and MVP for his stellar play.

Then he moved up to the bantam Valley Bulldogs in 2008. Adam won a Provincial and Maritime crown with the team. Additionally, he was named lineman of the year.

Arriving as a rookie with the Horton Griffins in 2009, Adam was part of a team that started to reap the benefits of success. The team’s record was 7-1-0 and the Griffins made the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) playoffs for the first time. For Adam’s efforts, he was awarded NSSAFFL Rookie of the Year and NSSAFFL second team defensive all-star for the defensive end position.

In the 2010 campaign with the Griffins, Adam was honoured with team MVP. Also, he picked up the NSSAFFL Co-Lineman of the Year award and was named to the NSSAFFL first all-star team.

During the summer of 2011, Adam was a part of the Nova Scotia provincial under-18 team that went to Lethbridge, Alberta. For his play during the tournament, Adam was selected as an all-star.

The Griffins had a breakthrough season in 2011 and Adam was a key factor in their success. After a campaign in the NSSAFFL regular season that saw the Griffins go 7-0-1, the team became the first one from the Valley to win a tier one playoff game. The Griffins were runner-ups in the NSSAFFL championship game.

For his efforts during the NSSAFFL season, Adam was named co-league MVP and received first team all-star selections for playing defensive end and fullback positions.

Most recently during the NSSAFFL playoffs, Adam experienced his most memorable football moment. Right after their quarterfinal game against the Prince Andrew Panthers, the Griffins learned that quarterback Greg Brown’s brother Jordan passed away.

It was in their semifinal game against the Charles P Allen Cheetahs where Adam experienced something special.

“My most memorable football experience has to be beating CPA in the semifinals,” explains Adam. “We were down in the third quarter, then this big rainbow showed up and we all knew it was Jordan (Greg’s brother) and we scored on that same drive to take the lead and win the game.”

“It was something I’ll never forget.”

Additionally, Melanson is a leader. With the exception of the first two years of peewee play, Melanson has served as a captain on teams he played on.

As for the most influential people in his life, Adam says that his entire family has had the greatest impact on him. It starts with his brothers.

“I have three brothers Caleb ,Isaac and Jacob (played defensive end with me this year),” says Adam. “They have always been at my games, have supported me and give me tips on how to improve my game all the time.”

Adam’s parents, Steven and Helen Melanson, have given him the encouragement and support on and off the field.

“My mother loves watching me play and is very supportive of my football career and my education,” comments Adam. “My dad is my biggest influence in football and I would not be where I am today without him.”

“He’s given me every opportunity to be the best player and person I can be.”

Having a supportive family is something that Adam is appreciative to have while fulfilling his football and education aspirations.

“My parents together do a great job at keeping me grounded and keep me humble,” adds Adam. “I love them both very much and the brothers aren’t bad either.”

Next on the horizon is a huge opportunity for Adam. In early January, he will be going to Texas. Adam has been invited to a combine to showcase his skills to NCAA schools.

After graduation from high school, Adam plans to pursue either kinesiology or business, but says that he is leaning more towards the kinesiology side.

Off the field, Adam is the team captain for the Division 1 basketball team at Horton. Also, his musical preference is country music while his favourite meal of choice is donairs and egg nog.

All in all, football has taught Adam things that he carries into all aspects of his life.

“What football has taught me is how to be a leader and how to be a part of a team and work with others,” explains Adam. “It’s taught me respect and to never give up.”

“Football also taught me that if you want something or want to be good at something you need to work to get it because it doesn’t come easy.”

Griffins head coach Alec Hyndman says the three year captain and team MVP (in grade 11) has been a pleasure to have on the team.

“One of the nicest players I have coached,” adds Hyndman. “Harder worker off the field than anyone else I have coached.”

“He is going to be a positive addition to whatever team he plays for, both on and off the field.”

Video of Adam’s football highlights:

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