Former BC Lion inspires DE Kraft

Here comes the boom #AirKraft

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Andrew Kraft has been playing football for eight years and one of the positions he plays also happens to be the same as one of his role models.

“My favourite DE is Cameron Wake because of his integrity and loyalty to stay with the BC Lions to finish off his contract before going to Miami,” he said. “He is also one of the fastest DE I have ever seen because of his famous first step off of the snap of the ball. Cameron is also a beast on the field, which I find very inspiring.”

Andrew enjoys playing defensive end for a variety of reasons.

“I like playing DE because of my size and speed,” Andrew said. “I am often able to navigate my way into the backfield and rush the quarterback into having to make a split second decision.”

He also plays running back and loves the “one on one opportunities.” Reggie Bush is another pro player who he looks up to “because of his agility and quickness.”

Andrew has accumulated a massive amount of awards during his days on the gridiron: Most Inspirational 2015 (community league), Top Male Athlete in Grade 8, 9 and 10 (high school), 2016 Defensive Lineman of the Year (high school), Rookie of the Year 2009 (community league) and Sportsmanlike in 2014 and 2015 (community league).

Fox 40 Prospect Challenge – Battle of the Best, Team BCHS vs. Team Central (ON)

As for career-defining moments, he has experienced a few of those.

“I have several memorable moments including winning three back-to-back provincial championships with the South Delta Rams,” he said. “Playing in the BC high school semi-finals and playing at BC Place. Also this summer I got to play with the Fox 40 BC Team in Ottawa and participate in a week of training with Team USA down at UC Davis.”

There have been several people who have been impactful in Andrew’s life.

“The most influential people in my life are my parents because they encourage me to do my best in all things I do and to keep a positive attitude,” Andrew said. “Two other influential people in my football have been my high school head coach, Ray Moon, who has also coached me in Team BC since Grade 9. The second most influential person in my football has been my brother, Matt. He played in high school and JCFL and was one of my coaches for several of my formative years.”

Andrew’s aspirations for the future include riding the football wave as long as possible.

“My long-term goal is to play professional football,” he said. “I would like to play on a competitive university team in Canada or Div. 1 in the USA. I am exploring my schooling options at the moment and trying to keep a strong GPA to create more university opportunities. I just finished Grade 10 and I still have a couple of high school years ahead of me. I have had conversations with some universities who are watching me with interest. Following my experience with Fox 40 in Ottawa and the Team USA camp in California, there seems to be more interest in me.”

He plans to “continue to develop as a person, an athlete and a leader on and off the field” as well.

During the season and off-season, Andrew focuses on improving his “strength and endurance.”

“I feel that it really pays off later in the game when the opponent in front of me is huffing for air and I am still feeling pretty good,” Andrew said.

For Andrew, football is a “brotherhood because of all the very close and strong friendships you make practicing and playing football.”

Andrew Kraft (#32)
RB/DE
6’0, 200lbs

Teams: South Delta Rams, South Delta Sun Devils, Team BC
Commitment: None
Official Visits: None
Considerations: Open
Class: 2019

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