Class 2013: Arran Ray MacRae, OT/DE (Video)

Here is a preview of one of Ontario’s most promising offensive/defensive line prospects, Arran Ray MacRae. Arran will finish up secondary school in 2013, and then move on to the CIS or NCAA

Arran Ray MacRae

Class:
2013

Position:
Offensive Tackle, Defensive End

Height/Weight
6’5, 286 lbs

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Guelph, McMaster, Queen’s, University of Toronto, Western, Wilfrid Laurier, and NCAA schools

Teams
Frontenac Secondary School (High School)
Limestone District Grenadiers (OVFL)

Though a cursory glance at his imposing size (6’5), hulking physique (286 lbs), and considerable athleticism (see the video posted below) suggests football was a natural fit for the Ontarian star, Arran actually came late to the game. Late, and reluctantly.

Arran recalls, “I started my football career in grade nine, during my freshman year, at Frontenac Secondary School. I was really pressured into playing because of my size (then, 6’3, 200 lbs), but at the time I had a real distaste for football…. I started every game that first season at left tackle despite having no knowledge of how to play.”

Since that time, however, the game of football has grown on Arran, as he has grown into the game, becoming a knowledgeable and skilled player. “After my first season, I was hooked,” Arran reflects.

Not one to wait around to develop himself as a player, Arran waived his first offseason. He hooked up with the Limestone District Grenadiers that summer, which saw him compete against more experienced players up to two years older than he was.

Despite his increasing penchant for football, Arran’s headfirst dive into advanced competition was not without hardship. After suffering a concussion during his first tryout with the Grenadiers, the young star briefly questioned his future in the sport. However, Arran’s growing affinity for playing football, coupled with an enlightening consultation with his premier role model, his father, infused the lineman with renewed vigour and enhanced commitment. Rather than shy away from such challenges, Arran decided “that what doesn’t kill me will make me stronger,” a philosophy that proved to hold no small measure of truth for the prospect.

“I learned so much, and working with seasoned players two years older than me really helped.”

Arran logged time on special teams and spelled his starting comrades in the summer, before starting for his secondary school team in the fall, where he was named offensive line captain and offensive line MVP. Since then, Arran has compiled a host of awards and honours, including a place on the KASSAA All-Star roster as both an offensive tackle and defensive end.

In 2011, Arran helped to lead his high school squad to a National Capital Bowl victory at the Roger’s Centre, an event that he pinpoints as his favour moment in football.

“That season will definitely be something I will remember for the rest of my life and I couldn’t ask for a better group of teammates.”

Having established himself as a top offensive and defensive line prospect in Ontario, Arran is doubtlessly a desirable addition for any university squad. As of now, he is undecided as to where he wants to go, though a trip down to the States may be in the cards.

“I am looking to go down South because I feel that I can best pursue my dreams of playing pro football through the NCAA.”

If Arran is able to ply his trade in the NCAA, he will do so following in the footsteps of his football idol, Bruce Campbell, of the Oakland Raiders.

“He’s my football idol because of his unique play style and physique. He wanted to create a new generation of offensive linemen, ones that are incredibly athletic and versatile. When you’re 6’6 and 320 pounds and can run a 4.7 [40 meter], you’re definitely on the right track. I want to be part of that new generation.”

Playing in the United States would not be an altogether unfamiliar setting for Arran, who participated in the Virginia leg of the FBU TOP GUN tour last summer.

If Arran remains in Canada for his post secondary education, he will likely remain in Ontario. As a student, he intends to study Kinesiology, Physical Education, or Exercise Physiology; genres of academia beneficial to both his football career, as well as another occupational career Arran deems suitable for himself – a Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Arran will graduate from high school in 2013 and will enroll in post secondary school in 2013, or 2014.