Football ‘is basically what I live for,’ says LB Royal

Among the physical punishment that encompasses a football game, Dorian Royal found solace in a sport that allows him to express his emotions in a constructive and controlled manner.

Life can be stressful to say the least. Tempers flare and emotions run high, but there aren’t many healthy outlets to release that energy. Enter football. “Football is a way for me to get all my energy and anger out in a way that would be allowed. My love for extreme sports and challenges was what got me into it,” Royal said.

“It also means a lot since it helped me in a difficult period in my life and it is basically what I live for.”

Royal doesn’t solely need to rely on football for support. He doesn’t have to look any further than his mother, who he said is the most influential person in his life. A single mom to two boys since Royal was three, “she has made a lot of sacrifices and hardships for us to have the best life situation possible,” Royal said.

“She worked hard to teach us a lot of things and how to act, and her determination and courage to fight all alone continues to inspire me everyday,” he added. “Even though she could be strict at times, like many parents, I know that she only did it for us to be happy and successful in our future and I will always be grateful for all the things she has ever taught me.”

Standing at 6’3, 240lbs, Royal depends on his size and agility to give him an edge. “I have been told by a lot of coaches that my agility is impressive for my size and that the length of my body can be a real advantage when it comes to big plays,” he said.

And he will need his size whether he is on the defensive line or starting as a linebacker. “I like the physicality we get to experience in the box,” he said. “Also, just the fact that we can get the most impactful players in the game amazes me.”

It is little wonder, then, that Royal models his game after two great shutdown players in the NFL. “I love (Khalil) Mack’s way of playing the game, just using raw strength and speed to beat his opponents, just pure ruthlessness,” he said. Mack is a defensive end with the Oakland Raiders.

“And, I love (Bobby) Wagner’s way to be on every side of the ball when (on the) defense. I love the way he gets involved into the pass and run, how he hits the players with physicality and his ability to run, chase and cover routes are impressive,” Royal added. Wagner is a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.

Set to join Les Élans du Cégep Garneau (RSEQ Division 1) this upcoming season, Royal aspires to play in university. But, he is looking at the new cégep season first. He said he is looking forward to playing a new style of football under a new coach. His goal is to win a Bol d’Or. Along with football, he added that his dream jobs require him to be well focused and have good grades.

“It will be an interesting adjustment (to Cégep ball) since I’m a year younger than all the rookies with me. I think that will help me stand out if I’m able to play at that level at my age,” he said. This offseason, he also worked to improve his moves to prepare for the 2017 season.

As a member of the 2017 edition of Team Québec, Royal will be bringing a gold medal with him to Cégep Garneau after winning the Football Canada Cup this summer. “It is honesty a dream come true to participate in that elite level of competition, and it is just great representing my province to the whole country,” he said.

Royal left nothing behind when he attended the camps for Team Québec and for the Elites QMS. He said he thinks his general efforts and his way of playing the game made him a standout. “I am always really critical of my own game and I hope to be twice as better the next time I hop on the field,” he said. “I think the coaches saw my drive and passion for the game and that helped me a lot.”

Playing for Team Québec also had another element of practicality. Royal said it was a great way of keeping him involved in football during the summer and to stay active. He added that, “It also helped me prove that if you put heart, dedication, soul, passion and hard work into anything, you can make it big.”

Dorian Royal (#98)
Linebacker, Defensive Lineman
6’3, 240lbs

Teams: Laser d’École secondaire De Rochebelle, Elites QMS, Team Québec
Official visits: none
Unofficial visits: none
Considerations: open
Class: 2017 (high school), 2019 (Cégep)