FS/SB Funk’s versatility will serve him well at Guelph

?Happy and excited to announce I have verbally committed to the University of Guelph! Thank you to everyone who helped me get to this point? pic.twitter.com/KDDRDRY4GG

— Kyle Funk (@15Kylefunk) December 15, 2016

Versatility is a valuable trait to possess, especially in sports, and Kyle Funk is a perfect example, as he only played offence in the past, but now sees action on both sides of the ball. Having just committed to be a Gryphon, Kyle has a lot to look forward to and reflects on how he’s got there.

“Until my Grade 12 year I only played offence,” Kyle said. “I played and started at quarterback during my Grade 9 and 10 seasons, played a combination of receiver and quarterback in Grade 11 and just this year played every play on the field and played on the defensive side of the ball and immediately loved it and made an impact. I picked it up really fast and quickly became very good at reading the quarterback, making tackles, tracking down and intercepting passes and breaking up passes.”

Kyle has been playing high school ball for the Markham Marauders for the past four years. His 2017 stats are impressive, and he has won some awards over the years as well. Here are his stats from 2017: five INTs, two INT touchdowns, three forced fumbles, 39 solo tackles, 33 assisted, one punt return touchdown, 292 receiving yards and 334 rushing yards. And here are some team awards that he’s won: 2013 Rookie of the Year, 2014 Offensive MVP and 2016 Team MVP. Kyle was also a 2016 YRAA All-Star (DB).

He enjoys having the ability to scope out the whole field at his position.

“I like free safety because I get to see the entire field,” he said. “what the offence is doing, where the ball is headed and I get to be involved on almost every play. It’s an exhilarating position and it’s so important. Breaking up a pass or picking off the QB is a huge momentum changer. I think I have an edge over other players because I’ve played on offence at quarterback and receiver which helps me recognize plays earlier than other players and understand how the offence will try to attack my team’s defence.”

A special moment for Kyle was in a Bowl game in which he made a couple huge plays. “My most memorable football experience to date was playing in our Markham Bowl game against St. Brother Andre and getting two pick sixes and shutting down their passing game for the rest of the night in front of the big crowd,” Kyle said.

As for players who he tries to model his game, former NFLer Charles Woodson is his choice “because of his versatility and his ball skills.”

Kyle Funk just signed his #LOI @MdhsSAA as the #NextGryphon @15Kylefunk Happy to have you as part of the #GryphonFamily Kyle #TeamFirst pic.twitter.com/1bWFL5XGGb

— Gryphon Football (@GryphonFootball) January 25, 2017

When asked about the recruitment process, Kyle described it as “an amazing experience.”

“It felt good to see that all my hard work was going to help take me somewhere to continue my academic and football endeavors,” he said. Choosing to commit to the Guelph Gryphons, Kyle plans to study Psychology for his academics.

“I look forward to learning more about the game I love from their great coaching staff and their great team,” Kyle said. “I also look forward to helping them build on what was a good year last year and becoming even better.”

When it comes to influences, his family is at the forefront.

“My family taught me everything I know about being a better person and competitor,” he said. “Respecting your teammates, coaches and even your competitors are just a few of the many lessons they’ve taught me. They showed me not only how to win, but how to lose and how to pick yourself up after and learn from it, become better from it. They believed in me when nobody else did. Drove me to all the camps, practices and games without complaining. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

His coach has been a vital support system as well. “My coach, Greg Pritty, taught me many things, not the least of which was “if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse,” meaning that you should constantly be improving and not settling for what you have,” Kyle said. “You should constantly be outworking everyone and keep building on what you have now.”

When he begins his career in U Sports, he is determined to compete at a high level at all times. He expects that the “adjustment period will be tough” but he knows he “can handle it.”

“I’m going to spending lots of time in the gym and practicing, improving my strength, speed and football knowledge to make the transition as easy as possible,” he said.

Football has been “an amazing outlet” for Kyle.

“No matter what is happening in your life you can come to the field for a few hours a day with your brothers and work on improving at the game you love,” Kyle said. “You don’t have to worry about anything else, it’s just you, your teammates and your coaches. It’s one of the rare times you can have a clear head and just focus on one thing.”

Kyle Funk
FS/SB
6’3, 185 lbs

Teams: Markham Marauders (high school)
Commitment: Guelph
Official Visits: None
Considerations: Guelph
Class: 2017

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