Ontario Prospect Challenge Profile: Spear looking to make statement with Team West (VIDEO)

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Positions:
3 tech, End, Nose Tackle, Rush

Height/Weight:
6’1 ½, 245 lbs

Teams:
Niagara Spears (OVFL)
St. Francis Phoenix (high school: NRHSAA)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Considerations:
Western, Waterloo, McMaster, Mount Allison, Queen’s, St. Francis Xavier, Open

Class:
2016

Blake Zarubiak started playing in the Niagara Minor League at the age of seven before moving up to a higher-level in the sport.

He has played in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) with the Niagara Storm, with Canada Prep Raiders and has been selected the Ontario Varsity Football League’s (OVFL) All-Star team.

More recently, Blake played in the OVFL with the Niagara Spears and with his high school team, the St. Francis Phoenix of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association (NRHSAA).

The Spears standout has previously participated in an Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC).

His goals for this year’s OPC are to learn from the coaching and to use what he has learned against the top prospects in Ontario.

“Also my goal for the team is to come back from last year’s loss and create a statement for Team West,” said Blake. “I think we have some of the best coaching staff and I would like to take everything we learn from as a team and display it on the field.”

During the offseason, he attends multiple football and speed training camps, as well as working out at the gym a few times a week.

He also works on his Olympic lifts, overall explosiveness, and runs with his defensive back coach and work on conditioning.

The Spears standout loves the sport because it is a team sport and it is a constant battle.

“In no other sport are you required to be as disciplined, as physical and as dependent on your teammates,” explained Blake. “Depending on your teammates forces you to come together as a family and create a bond that is like no other.”

Moreover, he loves going out on the field and looking out at the guy next to you and knowing that you have his back and that he has yours.

“You won’t find a bond between teammates like this anywhere else,” added the Spears standout. “Essentially you work as a unit to accomplish a single task and that’s what makes me love football.”

His role model is #CFC100 CLASS 2015 top ranked Neville Gallimore because he has inspired him to get bigger, faster and stronger.

“With committing to Oklahoma State and being chosen to play in the Army vs Navy game, the 6’1” Canadian d-lineman has shown me that with hard work anything can be possible,” continued Blake.

The Spears standout also gives credit to his mom, who encourages his every move and motivates him to stay on track, with not only football and training, but with school as well.

“I essentially has a coach on and off the field and that is what enhances my ability to play,” adds Blake.