Ontario Prospect Challenge Profile: Panther hunts for exposure (VIDEO)

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Positions:
Defensive Line, Offensive Line, Linebacker (Middle)

Height/Weight:
6’4, 260 lbs

Teams:
Cumberland Panthers (OVFL)
Colonel By Cougars (high school: NCSSAA)

Commitment: 
None

Official Visits:
Open

Considerations:
Carleton, Ottawa, McMaster, St. Francis Xavier, Queen’s, Open

Class:
2017

Nathan Amesbury has been playing the sport for a total of nine years.

He got his start in the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA), playing three years with the North Gloucester Giants and six years with the Cumberland Panthers.

Nathan then moved on to the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), where he has played with the Cumberland Panthers for the past four years.

He also plays for his high school team, the Colonel By Cougars of the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA), and has for the past three years.

The offensive and defensive lineman also participated in an Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) and played with Team East.

Nathan hopes that this year’s OPC will give him the exposure to continue playing at a higher level, like university, as well as increase his skill and knowledge of the game.

“Between playing and training I commit to about 10 months a year playing football,” said the lineman, who also plays as a linebacker.

During the offseason, the Panther has recently started weight training and will be position training with Canadian Football Institute.

In the past, his has spent his offseason playing competitive basketball with the Gloucester Wolverines, as well as with the Cougars’ basketball team, because it is a complimentary sport for football.

“A lot of the cardio and fitness training is similar to what we do at football,” commented Nathan.

As a 2017 graduate, the Panther’s goal is to be a part of the #CFC100, which is why he works so hard at the game.

Nathan has two idols when it comes to football. One is his dad, Tim Amesbury, as he was the one that encouraged him, supported him and coached the team he has played for.

His second idol is Coach Warren Steeves, who has coached him in the OVFL.

“Both of them believe in me and my abilities and have helped and encouraged me to be better,” added the Panther.

Nathan loves the game because he has met so many people and made so many friends playing football, as well as the energy and intensity of the game.

“There is no other sport like it,” explained the Panther. “I think what I have learned from football will help me through life as it teaches you so many things like teamwork, commitment and dedication.”

“I also like the challenge of getting better as I move up as it forces me to improve to play at the higher level.”