Two AUS schools in hot pursuit of Phoenix lineman Barton.
Last fall, Citadel Phoenix lineman OβNeil Barton experienced a historical moment which proved to be the highlight of his young gridiron career.
OβNeil Barton
Positions:
Offensive Line (Left/Right Guard, Left/Right tackle), Defensive Line (Nose Tackle)
Height/Weight:
6β2, 315 lbs
Teams:
Citadel Phoenix (high school:Β NSSAFFL)
Halifax Argos (midget: NSISL)
Halifax Seahawks (varsity: NSVFL)
Halifax Chargers
Halifax Raiders
Team Nova Scotia
Commitment:
None
Official Visits:
None
Consideration:
Mount Allison, St. Francis Xavier, Open
Class:
2014
OβNeil began his football career in the eighth grade, when he played defensive/offensive tackle for the Halifax Raiders.Β Since then, he has built up a resume full of experience as he has previously suited up for the Halifax Chargers, the Halifax Seahawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL) and the Halifax Argos of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL).
Moreover, the lineman has represented his home province on the national stage as a previous member of Team Nova Scotia.
However, OβNeil has experienced his greatest achievements with his high school team, the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). This past fall, he experienced the highlight of his young gridiron career with the Phoenix.
βMy most memorable football experience was when we the Citadel High School won the fifth consecutive provincial championship on November 11, 2012,β says OβNeil.
Among the main influences the Nova Scotia lineman credits for making him become the player and person he is today are his parents and Phoenix Offensive Line Coach Gordon Beattie.
βThe people who most influence my life would have to be my mother and my father,β explains OβNeil.Β βThey are the people who have brought me up and raised me and everything I know; I learned from them.β
βMy most influential person in football would have to be Coach Gordon Beattie.β
To prepare himself for football, the Phoenix lineman is dedicated to his training regimen with the continual goal of succeeding on the field.
βI work out a lot in the gym and I do hills conditioning,β adds OβNeil.
This upcoming fall will be OβNeilβs last year of high school football. Β The Nova Scotia lineman has been actively pursued by two AUS teams β the Mount Allison Mounties and St.FX X-Men.
Thus far, the recruitment process has gone well for the Phoenix lineman.
βThe recruiting process has been great,β expresses OβNeil, who would like to pursue future academic studies in marine biology. βEvery coach I have talked to so far have been real awesome.β
Ultimately, the Phoenix lineman credits the game for teaching him about perseverance, hard work and effort. This has helped him to tackle gridiron and life endeavours.
βI have learned to never give up, always give it your all and if you work hard, good things will happen,β says OβNeil.
Phoenix Co-Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jeff Lawley has instructed OβNeil for the past few seasons.Β He says that the lineman has shown talent and skill during his time with the team.
βOβNeil is extremely versatile,β evaluated Lawley.Β βHe can play interior offensive line or defensive line and be a force.β
βOβNeil has great size and strength.β
Additionally, the lineman possesses many intangibles which will prove to be an asset to any team he plays for in the future.Β OβNeil is expected to be an impact player this upcoming fall for the Phoenix as the team will compete in the Nova Division of the NSSAFFL.
βHe is a terrific leader and mentor to our younger players,β commented Lawley.Β βIf he improves his foot speed, he will be a target for any university team. β
βHe is expected to be a major force on our offensive line this coming season.Β OβNeil is an extremely hard worker and wants to be successful.β
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.