Ontario Prospect Challenge Profile: Warrior looking to take advantage of opportunity

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Positions:
Offensive Line, Defensive Line

Height/Weight:
5’11”, 275 lbs

Teams:
Mississauga Warriors (OVFL)
Meadowvale Falcons (high school: TDSSAA)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
Waterloo

Considerations:
Waterloo, Open

Class:
2017

Zack Switzman started his football career at the age of nine at the house league level in the Mississauga Football League.

As he began to like the sport more and more, he decided to start getting more serious and joined the Mississauga Warriors in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

It wasn’t long before football was his passion and he was playing two seasons a year. He also has met many of his best friends through football.

“Because of my love for the sport, I have worked hard all my life to become a better player and have had success because of that,” said Zack.

With the Mississauga Warriors, Zack won the Offensive Lineman of the Year award a total of four times.

The offensive lineman also plays for his high school team, the Meadowvale Falcons, and is a two time MVP with them.

Zack has spoken with a few OUA schools about his plans to play at the next level, but the only school he has visited is Waterloo, which he is seriously considering.

“The Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) offers many exciting opportunities that I am hoping to take advantage of,” commented the Warrior.

“I’d like to learn from new coaches and peers, everyone has unique experiences and ideas and I’m sure they all have something they can teach me to help improve my game,” added Zack.

The Warrior also hopes that being a part of the OPC gets his name out there with the CIS coaches to help him achieve his goal of playing at the next level.

“The #CFC100 list is definitely a goal of mine,” continued the Warrior. “It would give me a sense of pride and accomplishment to know that experts have decided that I play at the elite level.”

Zack also sees it as a great way to get his name out there and into the minds of scouts, as he’s had a hard time getting a lot of exposure, but views this list as a way to overcome his physical barriers.

“I’ve seen the success the top 100 have had in the past, and I know that if I am one of the I’ve set myself on a good path,” commented Zack.

During the offseason he works as hard as he can to become a better football player, including staying sharp mentally, becoming stronger and faster physically.

He spends time watching the NFL to stay in the football mindset, and studies the best offensive linemen to try to learn their techniques.

In the past, Zack has also coached younger football players, which helps him stay focused on fundamentals and helps him come up with new ways to get better.

He also participates in a high intensity weight training program five days a week, as well as working on his bench press, squat and deadlift.

Lastly, he tries to get out on a field to do footwork and conditioning a couple times a week so he can hit the ground running when the season starts.

Moreover, Zack has had many great influences in football throughout his life, but the most important right now is his current coach, Mr. Becker.

Becker played at St. Mary’s University and then in a semi-pro league, but now he coaches his former high school team, the Falcons.

“Becker sets a great example for how to be successful with football, as well as live a full, balanced life,” said Zack. “He has a busy life, taking care of children, working, leisure time with friends, and still manages to find time to put into making me a better football player.”

Becker is always teaching him new techniques, sending him interesting links and plans all of his workouts to ensure he becomes successful.

“He has taught me some valuable life lessons, like how to prioritize things, always realizing that more important things like family and friends should come first, that life experiences are valuable, and that hard work and generosity pay off,” commented Zack.

There are many reasons why the Warrior likes to play football, with one being that it brings him joy in his life like no other thing does.

It also gave him the opportunity to become part of a family, be accepted and make friends.

“Football has been so much more than a game for me, it’s given me an identity,” added Zack. “Football teaches values such as respect, hard work and camaraderie at a young age.”

Football is said to “build character,” but Zack finds that as he ages, football is revealing his character.