LB Surdykowski is ready for the next level

Jake Surdykowski developed affection for football at a young age. “When I was younger, every Sunday I used to watch football with my dad,” says Surdykowski.

As the years went by, the affection grew deeper, which led to only one possible course of action: playing the game. “I decided I wanted to be a part of the game, so he signed me up for my local team,” says Surdykowski.

The young man grew physically and mentally since he started playing with the Twin City Warhawks to become a starting linebacker for the Cambridge Lions, and a member of the 2017 Team Ontario International Bowl.

“Playing in the 2017 Team Ontario International Bowl was one of the most incredible football experiences anyone can ask for. The atmosphere was electric. It was a great way to experience fast-paced, university-level football,” says Surdykowski.

Like most high school seniors, Surdykowski is looking at the future, but not at the expanse of missing out on the present. “Being a fifth-year player, this is my last chance to ball out on the high school football field. I want to put everything I have into my team to try and finally bring home the Waterloo County championship,” says Surdykowski.

The Lions’ linebacker is going through the exciting and nerve-wracking recruiting process. “The process has definitely intensified over the past few months. Talking to scouts and going on visits to universities is becoming more and more frequent as time goes by, which is only adding to my excitement of playing at the next level,” says Surdykowski.

The young man follows a strict program to ready himself for the next level. Surdykowski understands that to master football, you need to be physically and mentally ready. “I’m always in the weight room improving my strength, power, and explosiveness. That along with time in the film room to see what I need to improve on will build me as a football player to ultimately find a spot on a university roster,” says Surdykowski.

To play linebacker you have to love the physicality and violence of the game, but Surdykowski loves the mental games played with the opposing offense. “I love being able to read the opponent’s offense and pick apart blocking schemes and pass concepts to be able to put myself in the right position to make a play,” says Surdykowski.

Surdykowski was invested in football, but it was not until he met his head coach Josh Alexander that he realized how good he could be and how much he truly loved the game. “One of the best coaches any player can ask for. He sees things other coaches don’t, and knows how to bring the best out of an athlete,” says Surdykowski.

 

Jake Surdykowski (#50)
6’0, 210lbs
Linebacker

Team(s): Cambridge Lions, 2017 Team Ontario International Bowl, Sir John A. Macdonald
Class: 2018