OPC Defensive MVP Mansell seeing more major interest (VIDEO)

CFC INSIDER

Schools on both sides of the border in hot pursuit of Patriots standout

St Paul’s Patriots linebacker Ted Mansell has set his sights on achieiving lofty goals within the next year.

Ted Mansell

Positions:
Linebacker

Height/Weight:
6’0, 210 lbs

Teams:
St. Paul Patriots (high school: NRHSAA)
Niagara Spears (OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Considerations:
Open

Class:
2016

Ted has played for both the St. Paul Patriots of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association (NRHSAA) and Niagara Spears of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

During that time, he has become passionate about playing at the linebacker position.

“I play line backer because of the Apex feeling,” explains the Patriots standout.  “I love to instil fear to run the ball up the middle, make an impact and drastically change teams strategies.”

“My favourite part of my position is my freedom, you obviously have assignments but you’re not bogged down to a certain job you can play football and use the talents of instinct and athleticism.”

On the field, Ted has been thrown a lot of tricks and surprises from opponents; however, his endurance has been the key to his success.

“I believe that as the game progresses, my game production increases and as the others tire and start to feel the bruising and pain my focus is to stay at 100 percent,” elaborates the linebacker.

Additionally, Ted has tried to emulate two NFL stars through his playing style – Luke Kuchely (Carolina Panthers) and Brian Cushing (Houston Texans).

“I look up to them because of their freak athleticism and ability to react,” adds the Patriots standout.

Recently, Ted made a significant impact during the Ontario Prospects Challenge in St. Catharines as he was named Varsity Defensive MVP.  This is the second straight MVP honour he’s received while participating in this event.

Not only did he savour the experience of playing alongside teammates Dominic Mandalfino and Mike Alain, but he also benefitted from the instruction he received from the Team West coaching staff.

“Both years that I’ve played, I’ve had some amazing coaches that help you become truly a fundamentally sound football player,” expresses Ted.  “Every year I meet new coaches that are at a high caliber of coaching and I have much respect for all of them.”

As for an update on the recruitment process, the Patriots’ standout has talked to all CIS schools, with the exception of Calgary Dinos.  Additionally, he has gotten some interest from schools south of the border including Furman (NCAA Division 1), Buffalo (NCAA Division 1), Hillsdale (NCAA Division 2), Liberty (NCAA Division 2) and Central Michigan (NCAA Division 2).

In the interim, Ted has his sights set on achieving a couple of significant gridiron goals within the next year leading up to graduation.

“My goals for the next couple years is to make the CFC 100 as a junior (grade.11) and to win MVP Defensive Player of the Game three years in a row,” offers the Class 2016 linebacker.