JL Ilsley Judge’s Furlotte excited to go deep in playoffs this season

Photo courtesy of Alex Furlotte (10)

When we’re young, we sometimes forget the importance of doing ‘stuff’. I wouldn’t go so far to say that we can get lazy, but unless we have people in our corner who offer alternatives to making the most of the time we have, we often will pick the easy way.

For receiver Alex Furlotte, he mentioned that his Dad has always encouraged him to make the most of the days he has and not to waste them.

“The most influential person in my life is my dad because he always inspires to do something and not waste a day whether it be going to the gym or even doing yard work or something. He shows me that nothing good comes from lying in bed all day.”

Definitely lying in bed all day did not get this kid to where he is today. Just recently coming off the Canada Cup representing Team Nova Scotia, Furlotte has only being playing football for two years. His current high school team, the JL Ilsley Judges, has been instrumental in his progress as he has won the team offensive MVP, and was named a 1st team all-star in that short amount of time. Last season he recorded 619 yards on 27 catches, 65 yards on 10 carries to go along with 6 touchdowns.

“I feel in grade 11 I proved myself to be one of the top, if not the top, receivers in Nova Scotia with my stats and I had people pay a lot more attention to me rather than my grade 10 year when I was learning the basics,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Alex Furlotte (10)

While he recalls that one of his most memorable football experiences was when he had a one handed catch in the 4th quarter to make the score 7-6 against Halifax West last season, he is looking forward to his team being the best they have been in a number of years.

“The excitement is bigger than ever before. We really want to go deep in the playoffs,” he stated.

When we spoke with head coach Brandon Hart, he said that Alex is an extremely hard worker and very focused.

“Alex has only been playing Football for two years and has improved leaps and bounds. He works hard in the off season in the gym and is very focused.” Coach goes on to say, “We feel he is only scratching the surface of his potential. We’re excited to see what he brings to our team this coming season and we know he is excited as well!”

The thought of being part of a big team and getting to know people in the preseason before his first year of high school intrigued this young receiver. Being a multi-sport athlete has allowed Furlotte to transfer those athletic skills to the field and has increased his confidence doing it. He believes that at the receiver position, being dynamic is very important.

“We need to block with strength, run routes with speed, catch the ball, and be creative to lose the DB. I think my strength, diversity as an athlete, and how I play under pressure gives me an edge as a football player,” he explained.

“We view Alex as a playmaker. He’s the type of player you want to get the ball to in various ways because he always has that chance at breaking the big play, ” said Coach Hart. “He’s a versatile part of our offense and special teams.”

Photo courtesy of Alex Furlotte (10)

With the immediate goal of the high school season at the forefront of this Judge’s mind, he has thought about the next stage and what that could like for him.

“In school I would like to study Commerce, and in football I would like to play at the U sports level,” he mentioned. “I have not committed to a school yet. I would love to play for a team in the beautiful city of Montreal because I love the atmosphere and how big football is there. It would definitely be Concordia or McGill. I would also love to Stay home in Halifax and play for Saint Mary’s University.”

He will have to continue to have this steely focus if these goals are to be met. Furlotte expects to practice and study the playbook as much as he can in order to see time as a freshman, whether on Special Teams, or as receiver.

“It will be tough due to the great fifth years that I will play with. At the next level, my size will help me adjust and how much I know,” he said. “I feel more excited for this season than any sport I have ever played.”

Coach Hart doesn’t think that his young player will have any trouble adjusting to this next level.

“The biggest adjustment for any player moving on to the next level is to the speed of the game, but we have no doubt that he would be able to adjust quickly. He has the ability, commitment, and personality to transition to the next level of Football.”

Photo courtesy of Alex Furlotte (10)

Furlotte will be attending some camps and combines to continue to improve his football skills and abilities this summer. He mentioned that he has been to the Maritime combine each year for two years, and while inexperienced the first year, he feels he did “okay”. The second year, he said he had good athletic numbers in the drills and was one of the top receivers next to some grade 12’s in the one-on-ones. He will be attending the Saint Mary’s University’s skill players recruiting camp in August and is excited to see how that goes.

“In the off-season, I have hit the gym more than before and practice at the local field with guys from my team. I am looking forward to really improving myself as a football player, meeting new people and all of the fun experiences that go along with being a university student,” Furlotte said.

From the sounds of it, Dad’s advice has rung true and Furlotte isn’t backing off any time soon – at least with football. And why would you when the sport can open up doors and opportunities just by putting in the work and having the passion and will to succeed, all the while doing it with teammates you love.

“Football means that I get to enjoy a game with 40 other guys that I can call family. In football, you always have to have eachother’s back.”

Alex Furlotte (#10)
Receiver, Kicker
6’0, 180lbs

Teams: JL Ilsley, Team Nova Scotia
Official visits: n/a
Unofficial visits: n/a
Considerations: Concordia, McGill, SMU, open
Commitment: none
Class: 2018

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

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