Today CFC features class 2012 star cornerback,free safety and special teams player from the Prince Andrew Panthers, Dylan Cossar. Dylan started playing football for the peewee Dartmouth Stingers.
Dylan Cossar:
Positions:
Cornerback, Free Safety, Kick Returner, Punt Returner, Special Teams
Height/Weight:
5’9, 155 lbs
Teams:
Prince Andrew Panthers (high school)
Dartmouth Knights (junior varsity)
Dartmouth Stingers (bantam/peewee)
Team Nova Scotia under-18
Commitment:
None
Consideration:
Acadia, Mount Allison, Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, Guelph, Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier
Class:
2012
Dylan Cossar started playing football for the peewee Dartmouth Stingers when he was in grade eight. One year later, he moved up to the bantam team (2008).
In 2009 as a rookie starter on the Prince Andrew Panthers, Dylanβs impact was immediate on the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). For his efforts on the field, Dylan was named rookie of the year and selected to the second all-star team for the B division.
Among the 2010 highlights for Dylan was winning the junior varsity championship with the Dartmouth Knights. The star player was honoured with the Coachβs award by the team.
2011 proved to be a busy season for Dylan. In January, he took part in Football Nova Scotiaβs training program. Dylan represented Nova Scotia as a member of the provincial under-18 team at the Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was a starting cornerback on the team.
This past summer, Dylan helped the Dartmouth Knights repeat as junior varsity champions. In the championship game, he scored a touchdown on a 105 yard kickoff punt return against the Halifax Hawks.
Dylan was rewarded for his play with the Panthers this season. He was named on the NSSAFFL Nova Division first all-star team as a defensive back. Additionally, he attended the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Skills Camp and was named MVP for under-18 defensive backs.
The Football Canada Cup experience is one of the most memorable moments for the graduating football star.
“This was very memorable because of the opportunity to travel out of province and play against the best players in Canada; it was great to train and play with the other players on the team and working with the coaches,” explains Dylan. “The experience showed me that I could compete and play at a high level of football for my age group.”
When Dylan was in his rookie year with the Panthers, he scored the first touchdown of his high school football career. It against the Auburn Drive Eagles and says itβs another special moment that he wonβt soon forget.
Dylan credits his family and friends for being a great influence on his life. He comes from a family who has been competitive in many sports at all levels. As for football influences, Dylan says many coaches have had an impact on his playing career. Among the coaches are Tony Crossley, Nick Barr, Joe Flemming, Anthony Liberatore, Greg Melanson, Scott Sheffer, Brian Ellis, Rob Morgan, Dave Kelly and Steve Melanson.
Aside from football, Dylan loves hockey. He has captained and played on several teams over the years. For now, hockey is taking a back seat.
“I love hockey as well as football, but gave up hockey this year to concentrate 100 percent on my goal to play university football next year,” adds Dylan.
Football has taught Dylan a lot of lessons. When asked, he refers to quotes from two notables. The first is from Mark Twain: βItβs not the size of the dog in the fight; itβs the size of the fight in the dog.β
The other comes from coaching legend Vince Lombardi: “Itβs not whether you get knocked down; itβs whether you get back up.β
For the Panthers star player, these quotes sum up what he has learned from the game and applies it to all other aspects of life.
“They both kind of explain that things may not always go your way, you may get knocked down, things may seem bleak and have you have no way out, but with desire, a full heart and the voice in your head that says: βdonβt give upβ it will get you out of these situations or similar ones in life,” explains Dylan. “These are lessons that I will take with me through life, not just football and I know that I can accomplish whatever I want if I set my sights on it and never give up.”
Once high school is completed, Dylan plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. There are three professions that he is considering: teaching, sports therapy and pharmacy.
Panthers head coach Joe Flemming says Dylan is the type of player that coaches wish they could have on their roster.
“His work ethic and dedication is impeccable,” says Flemming. “He spends every spare moment he has trying to make himself a better football player, the result being that he helps his team become better.”
What sets Dylan apart from others is his “selflessness.”
“Everything he does to better himself, he does to better the team,” adds Flemming. “He doesn’t do it for his own stats.”
The Panthers head coach also says that Dylan is an extremely smart player who studies all aspects of the game, from opponents to his own.
“Every week he improves and adjusts his technical approach to adapt and suit his next opponent,” comments Flemming. “During practice, he’s a natural leader who thrives on helping his fellow teammates better understand the game.”
“He has a wealth of knowledge that even his coaches tap into from time to time, he just understands the game so well.”
Even though Dylan is not a big player, Flemming says he would make a difference onany team. Case and point was his playing time with the Panthers.
Overall, Dylan would be an asset to any team.
“Someone out there is going to win the lottery with this great young man, and whoever overlooks him, will pay the price if their team ever has to face him,”says the Panthers head coach. “He’s like ten pounds of TNT in a five pound bag.”
“And if you think I might be exaggerating, just you wait and see.”
With Dylan graduating this year, its a “bittersweet” feeling for Flemming.
“As his coach, I’d love for him to stay and continue to help build the team he’s been working so hard for,” explains Flemming. “On the other hand, I’m excited for what he does next in life, whatever that path might be.”
“I just know that whatever it is, he’ll be giving his all to be successful.”
Video of Dylan’s Football Highlights:
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