Ontario Prospect Challenge Profile: Dedicated Red Knight

The Ontario Prospect Challenge is an elite three phase event that culminates in an all-star game in the spring of 2015.  For more information CLICK HERE.  The TRYOUT SERIES begins in October and goes until the middle of January 2015.

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Position: Defensive Back (Cornerback)
Height/Weight: 5’10, 160lbs
Teams: Northern Red Knights (high school: TDSSAA), Metro Toronto Wildcats (varsity: OVFL)
Commitment: N/A
Official Visits: N/A
Considerations: Western, Toronto, Ottawa, Wilfrid Laurier, Carleton, Open
Class: 2015

Toka Murphy’s football career started in the tenth grade in the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA) with the Northern Red Knights, but he was unfortunately benched for the entire season due to his inexperience.

After the Red Knight’s first season he decided to train and get better at his position. He also played summer football in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) with the Metro Toronto Wildcats, where he broadened his in-game experience.

The cornerback continued to work hard at every practice and train in order to fulfill his expectations of being a starter in his grade 11 year, although reaching this goal made him realized how much more he needed to improve.

Murphy’s summer of 2014 season with the Wildcats taught him that with discipline and desire he could be successful in both life and football. He continued to work hard, and got his first pick-six that season.

This fall the cornerback continued to play as a Red Knight, where he has adapted the nickname of “Sweet Feet” because of his footwork. Murphy also lived another monumental first this year at an Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) try out, where he suffered from his first football injury.

“My goals for the OPC are to fulfill all of the coaches’ expectations and requirements for making the team,” said Murphy. “… [A]ll I am focusing on so far is making to team, be the best player I can be at each tryout I attend and not making any preventable mistakes.”

Murphy also aims to be on the CFC 100 list to help him get recognition, but mainly for his own satisfaction.

“… I don’t need people cheering my name, I need the reward of a win,” adds the Red Knight.

During the offseason Murphy does everything he can to improve his athletic ability. He does two workouts a day, and participates in indoor facility skill training. Aside from athletic training he also gets help in the sciences and math from his brother to assure that he can keep up with school.

He also trains with two Toronto Argonauts, Eric Black and Jonathan Hood, who have helped guide him through the doo’s and don’ts during his training.

“I have gathered enough discipline to match my determination to give me the strength to get up and train early in the morning, all day on weekends, after dinner and to give up on a great part of my social life,” explains the cornerback.

“… I have done too much to get where I am and I am not satisfied with that so I continue to get better so I can play better.”

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