#OVFL: Underrated Rushing King Kussmann serving notice

Cole Kussmann has established himself early in the 2015 Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) season.

The 5’10, 185 pound running back with the London Jr. Mustangs is already the OVFL’s leading rusher three games into the season with 568 rushing yards on 74 carries and six touchdowns.

Despite last week’s disappointing loss at the hands of the Essex Ravens, Kussmann was the silver lining for the Mustangs.  In the game itself, he scored three touchdowns and racked up 161 yards on 22 carries.

Consequently, the OVFL recognized his efforts this past week as he was selected as the league’s Offence Player of the Week.

Ultimately, Kussmann’s reliability has been the key to his success.

“You never have to worry about Cole missing practice, being late for a meeting or anything like that,” commented Jr. Mustangs Head Coach Jordan Haylor.  “He’s one of the first guys in the building and he’s one of the last guys to leave so he sets a great example just for the whole team and we really do as an offence and a team kind of feed off of what Cole is doing.”

For his part, the Jr. Mustangs running back gives it his all when he’s out on the field during a game.

“If you put me in the game, I’ll be giving you 110 percent,” said the Jr. Mustangs offensive standout. “200 percent of the time, I like ground and pound offence.”

“I don’t always break it for crazy highlight real touchdowns, but I’ll get the ball down the field.”

Kussmann began his gridiron career with the Banting Bulldogs of the London Minor Football Association (LMFA).  Since then, he has suited up for both the Mustangs and his high school team, Mother Teresa Spartans of the Thames Valley Regional Athletic Association (TVRAA).

However, the running back says that playing for the Jr. Mustangs is such a unique experience.

“Playing for the Jr.Stangs kind of gives me the feel of playing for a team larger than high school more of a college ball feeling as well as the fact that it brings all the best players in London onto one team, kind of connecting the whole football community in London,” explained Kussmann, who has received several honours including two Spartans MVP honours, the Spartan Award, Jr. Mustangs Team MVP and Jr. Mustangs Offensive MVP.

Throughout his career, his passion for playing at the running back position is unquestionable.

“I choose to play running back because it always loved the style and attitude running backs had – the mentality that I’m either going to out run you or run over you,” elaborated the Jr. Mustangs standout.  “When I was a kid, scoring touchdowns was what I wanted to do so running back is what you played.”

On the field, Kussmann tries to emulate his idol, NFL star running back Mark Ingram from the New Orleans Saints.

“He just is one of those all-around backs you can have in at any time in the game,” added the Jr. Mustangs running back.  “Even though he was a stand out in college, I see him as underrated in the NFL and kind of like that.”

Underrated is something that Jr Mustangs Head Coach Jordan Haylor sees when it comes to the recognition Kussmann has received the past couple of years.

“He’s been awesome,” commented Haylor.  “I think Cole is one of the guys that flew under the radar a little bit, which is kind of surprising for a guy who I think was in the top three for rushing in the OVFL last year.”

In Haylor’s view, Kussmann’s character, dedication, commitment and playmaking abilities have set him apart from all the other rushers.

“Cole has a great work ethic,” expressed the Jr. Mustangs Head Coach.  “When he came into camp this year you could tell that he put in lots of time in the weight room to get better and its showing.”

He’s been outstanding at rushing the ball. He has great speed but he’s also a downhill running back which is the power scheme which we run so he fits in really well.  He’s a great weapon for us.  He’s a hard worker and he really sets the tone on offence. He’s been great for us no question.”

Echoing the sentiments of Haylor is Jr. Mustangs Offensive Coordinator Tom Flaxman.

“Cole has had a great start to the year for us,” assessed Flaxman.  “He’s an excellent all-round back; he’s been a playmaker for us.”

“Our offensive line has been tremendous all year, and with a back like Cole all you need is a crease.”

With great expectations bestowed on him, Kussmann is taking it all in stride while concentrating on overcoming any challenge that may present itself.

“I have never really felt pressure per say,” offered the Jr. Mustangs standout.  “I know my team has my back at the end of the day regardless of the outcome and I don’t get caught up.”

“I play day to day, focusing on the closest obstacle before moving on to the next.”

This spring, Kussmann has enjoyed competing alongside his teammates.

“I have my Mother Teresa Spartan brothers Noah Hallett and Justin Georgopoulos I’m playing with this year from my high school so I’m pumped on that,” expressed the OVFL’s leading rusher, who said looking forward to battling both the Essex Ravens and Niagara Spears this season.  “Also, there is so much talent in London for football on both sides of the ball.”

“I am just excited to play with the whole squad.”

Additionally, the running back has soaked in and enjoyed getting invaluable instruction from the Jr. Mustangs coaching staff.

“The coaches are always great,” commented Kussmann.  “I can’t say enough about the whole staff; you can just tell they care about us and our development both on and off the field.”

“Most have been coaching and or played for a long time and have so much knowledge to pass on to us.  It’s a great experience every year with the club.”

In the coming weeks, Kussmann hopes to inch closer and closer to realizing personal and team gridiron goals.

“As a player this season, I hope to improve my skill and hopefully clench the top rushing spot,” elaborated the running back.  “As a team, we want to win the championship and come together as a family.”

While Kussmann is set to graduate this month, he will return back to Mother Teresa for a Victory Lap.  Already, several teams have expressed interest in him including Western, Queen’s, Carleton, Waterloo and McMaster. However, his main recruitment objective is to gain some attention and interest from south of the border.

One thing the Jr. Mustangs standout is certain of is that he wants to enjoy and extend his successful gridiron career while being realistic at the same time.

“What I want to achieve as a player is to play post-secondary ball and just take it as far as I can,” offered Kussmann.  “Football only last so long it’s something I love and it would be awesome to keep it going as long as possible.”

One individual that believes in his talent and abilities is Haylor. Ultimately, the Head Coach of the Jr. Mustangs envisions a bright future on the horizon for the OVFL’s leading rusher.

“Cole is probably going to be a guy that has an outstanding CIS career,” expressed Haylor.  “He might have given us a little bit of notice last year and now with what’s he’s doing this year.”

“He’s probably going to be very highly recruited as just about any running back in the country.”

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)