OL Collinson looking to make dream a reality (VIDEO)

CFC INSIDER

Mustangs’ standout looking to turn heads and garner more attention in the recruiting process

London Jr. Mustangs offensive lineman Blake Collinson is ready to put skills on display this summer.

Blake Collinson:

Positions:
Offensive Line (Tackle)

Height/Weight:
6’4, 270 lbs

Teams:
Strathroy Renegades (LMFA)
Strathroy Saints (high school: TVRA)
Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC)
London Mustangs (OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Considerations:
Open

Class:
2017

Hard work and persistence is often a product of the desire for something larger than yourself, and for Blake Collinson, his whole life has been molded after this mantra.

The Offensive Tackle first sported pads at the age of 13 for the Strathroy Renegades (LMFA) before deciding to suit up in a more competitive environment – the Forest City Thunderbirds of the OFC. In his first year as a Thunderbird, Collinson hoisted the Rookie of the Year Award and was named a Junior Varsity OFC All-Star. At his high school – Strathroy District Collegiate Institute – he was recently named Defensive MVP, and in 2013, his Freshman Year, Collinson helped the Junior Saints win a City Championship.

His early efforts on the field didn’t go without notice. Collinson was selected as one of the 54 players on the 2016 Canada Cup roster, which he added was “a very surreal experience”.

As a lineman, he mentioned there comes a few perks: the unmatched joy of protecting his quarterbacks, recording pancakes and, of course, winning, but an experience that will never leave his mind happened this past fall.

“My highlight of last season was my first Red Feather tournament game as a senior,” he noted. The tournament hosts all of the local high school football teams in the London District Catholic school board. “It was amazing to step out on the field, play in front of my whole school and to really show what we’re made of.”

Collinson has been fielding interest from schools around Canada, but is undecided on where he’ll play come 2017.

“I’m just taking everything in stride,” he said. “I love [the recruiting process]. Schools so far have been friendly, but I’m not ready to commit just yet. The opportunities are endless.”

His motive for playing college football, he added, is because it is a great tool to get him where he wants to be: the pro game.

“Football wise, my dream is to play professionally. And with a lot of hard work, that dream could become a reality.”

As busy as the lineman gets during training or the season, he never loses sight of what’s been there to help him along the way.

“The most influential people in my life are my parents. They support me every time I step on that field and take so much time out of their lives to make me happy.

“And to every football coach I’ve ever crossed paths with I’d say ‘thank you’ because in some way they made me the player and the man I am today.”

In setting lofty expectations for himself, Collinson has set his sights on making his dream a reality one day at a time.

“I just have to put 100% into every rep and every play, and keep getting better every time I step on the field.”

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