OPC: Team Central Varsity DB Heffernan’s quest for greatness (VIDEO)

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

Aaron Heffernan is determined and that has fueled his motivation to aim high on the gridiron.

“I always strive to become the best I can be and I’m always determined to achieve greatness,” explained the 6’1, 180 pound defensive back from King City, Ontario.

When he suited up for the King City Lions of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA), he was introduced to the defensive back position in Grade 11.

He was hooked instantaneously and the rest was history.

“After my first game, I just knew this was my position as I excelled and made a drastic impact on the teams secondary,” recalled Heffernan. “The one thing I like most about being a part of the defensive back squad is the fact that you have the ability to see everything that is going on and the feeling of making that big hit or catching that interception is like no other.”

During his career, he has been influenced by a couple of key gridiron figures.

“I like to model my game after the hard hitting Tyrann Mathieu of the Arizona Cardinals and my trainer, Hugo Lopez on the Ottawa Redblacks,” said the Ontario defensive back.

In less than two weeks, Heffernan will be competing in the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) as a member of Team Central’s Varsity squad.  Like his introduction to defensive back position, the standout credits the Lions for getting him involved in the experience.

“The process for choosing to try out for OPC was rather simple,” reflected Heffernan.  “Rick Wood, my defensive coach at King City High encouraged me to do so to make my game that much better before university.”

“So I took his word for it and tried out.  It was one of the smartest decisions I have made in a while.”

During the OPC process, Heffernan joined forces with coaches he played against during high school.  Moreover, he has enjoyed learning and developing the entire coaching staff.

“The OPC coaches have been beauties; even though some coaches are from King City’s rivals Huron Heights,” commented the Team Central defensive back.  “But in all seriousness, it has been an honor and a privilege to be coached and guided by such outstanding coaches.”

While many players are using the OPC as a stage to impress CIS and NCAA recruiters, Heffernan is an exception.  This past March, the Class 2015 standout officially signed with the OUA’s Western Mustangs.

Therefore, Heffernan will be using the OPC process as an evaluation of where he is as a player.  Additionally, OPC will be another chance for him to hone his skills to prepare for competition at the CIS level.

“So far, OPC has been a hell of ride and my highlight is simply the fact that I can see my game developing to the next level,” added the Team Central defensive standout, who will pursue MIT studies at Western in the hopes of obtaining a future career in commercial real estate.  “I am amped to have the opportunity to face the best that Ontario has to offer as I am looking to up my game in any way possible before I hit the CIS level, and I believe that OPC is one of the best ways to do so.”

“The one thing I want to achieve as a defensive back is to just simply make an impact in whatever secondary I’m on.”

Heffernan is not feeling any pressure to play on a big stage.  However, he is taking steps so that he can compete with and against other OPC participants.

“I’m very laid back when it comes to situations which assists me during the game as I am more focused on what’s occurring around me,” offered the Ontario defensive back. “I have been training consistently using the workouts that western has made and my brother has shared with me.”

“Thus, making me in the best shape I have been in and making me prepared for when game day comes around.”

While he is not sure of what competition may come from opponents from Team East, Heffernan would like to achieve a few specific objectives at OPC.

“I’m pumped to kill it on the field with my entire secondary,” expressed the Team Central defensive back. “My personal goals for OPC are to start on the defensive side, instantly make and impact and display my abilities on the field.”

“As a team, I would like to help lead Team Central toward success and just help out in any way that may contribute to the betterment of the team.”

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