Fox 40 Prospect Challenge (Central): Rookie Jaguar looking to test himself against the best

Rykert Balfe has only been playing football for a year, and has already collected a MVP Lineman Award.

Rykert is playing for the St. Joseph Jaguars in the Upper Ottawa Valley High School Athletic Association (UOVHSSAA), where he started on both the junior and varsity teams.

Over the season he collected 98 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 12 sacks.

The Jaguar will also be competing in this year’s Fox 40 Prospect Challenge, where his goals are to test himself against the best football players in Ontario and to prove that he can play at the highest level possible.

“I also seek to learn more about the game as I have such limited experience playing it and to improve my fundamentals,” added Rykert.

During the offseason, he does weight and cardiovascular training.

“I try to go to the gym every day to improve my body so I can be the best football player I can be,” continued the offensive guard. “I also seek help from those with more experience in the game than me for a deeper understanding of the game.”

On the field, his role model is Luke Kuechly, middle linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, because he is simply the consummate linebacker.

“He plays the run with aggression and make tackles like a true MLB, but can also drop into coverage and play zone or man like a safety,” commented Rykert. “He flies around from sideline to sideline doing his job better than anyone else in the world right now.”

Rykert loves football for the aggression and the violence.

“Football pits you against your opponent, it’s one-on-one and to come out of that as the winner is the best feeling in the world,” said the Jaguar. “Football feeds my competitive nature.”

Rykert Balfe
Positions: Offensive guard, full back, defensive tackle, defensive end and outside linebacker
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 2017lbs
Team: St. Joseph Jaguars (UOVHSAA)
Class: 2020

 

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Leave a Reply