Class 2012: Two-way star, Trent Corney, readies for the next step (video)

CFC profiles Canadian prospect, Trent Corney, who has committed to the University of Virginia for January, 2013.

Trent Corney

Class:
2012

Position:
Running Back, Tight End, Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Safety, Defensive End

Height/Weight:
6’3 ½ , 243 lbs

Commitment:
Virginia

Teams:
Brockville Minor Football Association
Thousand Islands Secondary School (high school)
Kingston Grenadiers (OVFL)
Ottawa Sooners (junior – OFC)

Trent Corney is looking to finish up his high school tenure this spring and dedicate himself to football.

“I plan to start university in January 2013,” notes Corney, who is NCAA bound next winter. In the mean time, the versatile two-way player will look to get some additional on-field experience under his belt. “I may play for the Ottawa Sooners again this fall, or go to a prep school in the US…,” he explains.

A terrific athlete that uses every bit of his 6’3 ½ inch, 243 pound frame, Corney will be testing the collegiate waters at the University of Virginia.

The Canadian was scouted by a slew of NCAA programs including Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, UCLA, Stanford, Michigan State, Miami, Buffalo, and Georgia, but opted to join the UV Cavaliers.

Corney’s return to the football field this fall will mark the continuation of a career that began over half a decade ago.

“I started football in grade seven, in the Brockville Minor Football Association,” recounts Corney. “I then played high school football for Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville from grades nine to 12.”

In addition to developing his game on the high school circuit, Corney also hooked up with the Kingston Grenadiers midget team last spring, and played for the Ottawa Sooners junior team as a 17-year-old.

Though football has become his passion, Corney is truly a complete athlete. In addition to being a prolific football star, Corney is an OFSAA record holder in the javelin event, as well as a gold medalist at the Canadian Championships, and has acquired an additional eight medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) for an assortment of OFSAA Track and Field performances. He also plays hockey, basketball, and beach volleyball.

“I was always thinking of a Track and Field Scholarship, but changed my mind and wanted to play football in the NCAA after my grade 12 season of football,” says Corney.

The decision to focus primarily on the gridiron game was met with instantaneous success.

“In August, 2011, I was asked to attend the US nationals in 7/7 with a team from Philadelphia and was interviewed by ESPN. I was selected to be on Team World in the International Bowl, in Austin Texas, in January 2012, and am eligible to play for them again next year.”

Corney harnesses his fantastic athleticism on the football field, and uses it in combination with his terrific size. This potent mixture allows him to seamlessly float from position to position on either side of the ball while maintaining a high level of performance. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in the OJFL last year, despite playing for only half the season. Corney has also led multiple teams to league championships, including an Eastern Ontario crown with his high school squad.

Despite the accolades Corney has received for his football performances to date, he feels that he is still a bit green transitioning to the NCAA.

“After finally choosing a sport, I plan on improving a tremendous amount in the next year. The conversion from track to football has been hard because of my lack of experience and also the knowledge of a university-like system. I plan on catching up soon though.”

And while the NCAA will surely be a beast different than anything he has faced before, Corney has done what he can to prepare himself, and has had the help of several terrific coaches along the way.

“Coach Wood, Coach Miles, and Coach Dumbrille at TISS [Thousand Islands Secondary School], and Tom Bell, Pete Atkinson…,Coach Tristano, and Coach McEvoy,” are influences noted by Corney.

The Ontarian also adds Victor Tedondo and Jack Weststrate to the list. “Tedando…has helped me believe I could play in the US and got me ready, and noticed by recruiters,” and “Weststrate…made me into a great athlete, but also showed me how to really work hard and be a great person.”

When Corney sets up shop in Virginia he intends to study in a Social Sciences program.

Check out the video provided below to see Corney in action as a RB, WR, and TE, as well as a DE and LB.