#CFCOFC: Football a “lifestyle” for QB DeJesus (VIDEO)

When coaches and fans watch Nicholas DeJesus play, they see a star in the making. As a 15-year-old, he already possesses a larger resumé than many CIS graduates. All the success he has had on the gridiron comes from an unwavering drive, dedication and commitment to football; the game he loves most.

The rookie Junior Varsity Huronia Stallion breaks down his extremely hectic schedule.

On Mondays I wake up at 6am to catch the GO train to Toronto and from Toronto to Burlington. I stay with my coach Larry Jusdanis from Monday to Wednesday. When I’m there, I am non stop working on my craft; weight training, speed work, watching film, throwing and practicing with my receivers I’ll be throwing to at Football North,” (in high school) he said. “When I get home I head straight from the GO train to Stallions practice. Thursday is usually the day I sleep in but when I wake up I do some field work for a couple hours and practice later in the evening. Fridays are usually game prep for my game on the weekend and we also have practice at night. I have football 6 times a week; it’s a lifestyle and it’s my passion.

Football, just like for many players, has blossomed from a hobby into a passion for DeJesus.

“Football went from throwing a ball around in the backyard with my Dad to my everyday passion and devotion,” mentioned the soon-to-be high school sophomore. “I love football because growing up I played it a lot with my friends and I was pretty good. One year I decided to sign up and I never looked back. My grade 8 year was the year it really started to became serious to me and I really lived my life devoted to it. I love the game because it is a very strategic, yet physical sport; like a chess match on steroids. I also love the atmosphere of a football team,” he went on. “Everybody around you has the same goal, everyone becomes like a second family and it is the ultimate feeling.”

Despite having a commitment level on par with a professional athlete, the star pivot has his days where training and practice are the last things he wants to do. That said, he always pushes through.

“Somedays I’m really sore or tired and my body feels like it can’t handle a work out. There are many days where I see all my friends going out having fun and sometimes I just want to do the same and take a break,” DeJesus stated. “When those times come around, I really just think about why I do it all. My parents hustle to make sure I get the opportunity to succeed in what I love and it would be disrespectful to just slack and not work hard.”

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The Stallion QB says the support he has received from family, friends and coaches along the way is second-to-none.

“I’m very thankful for the people who are in my life because they are a big part of the person I am and will be. My parents work very hard to support my dream. Without them I wouldn’t even be able to be playing the sport I love. They have really been the motivation in my football as they keep pushing me, always staying positive with me and keeping me humble,” he expressed. “They sacrifice a lot for me every day and one day I want to pay them back for the great life they have blessed me with.

“My friends have helped me a lot more with the training side and in the weight room. They push me and motivate me to be my best and I’m thankful for my close group of friends. I have been coached by quite a few coaches but there are ones who have impacted the player I am today more so than others. My first [Stallions] coach Dan Harvey really got me into football and on his own time coached me, drove me to workouts and really helped improve my knowledge for the game,” added DeJesus. “I am very thankful for him being my coach. Larry Jusdanis is a coach I haven’t been with for long but has also had a big impact on me. He has brought me onto a Varsity prep school team and really coached me up both on and off the field. I stay with him for 3 days a week at his house and train with him while I am there. I see a great future for Larry and I.”

Coaches from all across the province have told him and his coaches that he is one of the best quarterbacks in Ontario for his age. When asked if that distinction comes with any added pressure, his answer may surprise you. But, knowing DeJesus, it probably shouldn’t.

“No, not really,” he said of any possible added pressure. “I play my game and lead my team every time I play football and thats how I go about it. If you let pressure get into your head, it will dictate how you play.”

Being as successful as he has been, especially at such a young age, many players may allow that to get to their head. Not in the case of DeJesus, though.

“Staying humble is apart of the process. You have to act and work like you are the underdog trying to prove yourself to everyone,” elaborated the Innisfil native. “Once you get too high on yourself things start to come crashing down. That being said, I am very confident in myself and I know my worth as a person and a football player.”

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He has never shied away from taking a leadership role on whichever team he is playing for at any given time.

“It is definitely great [to be a leader]. I myself am a natural leader and love to be a leader. I love to pump up my team to make big plays by leading by example and just hyping everyone up,” said DeJesus, who will be attending Clarkson Prep Academy in Mississauga come September. “I also like to boost everyone’s confidence when they’re down by reminding them that they are capable of whatever they set their mind to.”

Nicholas has made many game-winning plays throughout his career, and to him, it’s a feeling like no other.

“It’s an awesome feeling dropping back knowing your team trusts you and is relying on you to win it for them. When you’re making the throw watching the receiver make the catch in the end zone, it’s such a relief to know you won,” exclaimed the two-time Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) participant. “Your whole team is praising you picking you up and hugging you, the fans are going crazy and most importantly you get another hard earned ‘W.'”

The young stud is quick to point out that it is his work ethic and dedication that has led him to where he is today.

“My hard work,” he said of what has made him so successful. “I didn’t just get my skills handed to me, I didn’t buy them, I worked hard every day with a vision that I want to make it one day. Every day I’m getting better to make sure that I outwork all my competition. I have goals that I have written down and I’m working to one day accomplish them all.”

Despite all that is right in DeJesus’ game, he is well aware that there is always room for improvement.

“I have many things I need to work on to improve. Everything I do, I need to do quicker,” he said. I want to work on reading defences better and just play recognition. I also need to work on throwing on the run and pocket presence. I have to work on everything I do to become the best.”

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http://https://youtu.be/53JLijUGPUk

 

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