QB Reid Vankoughnett: “when I’m playing the world just slows down”

Reid Vankoughnett is recognized around the WHSFL as one of the premier quarterbacks in the province. The Dakota Lancers pivot enjoys the quarterback position because he likes being in charge, and he loves having the ball in his hands when there’s 2 minutes left in the game and his team is down by 7.

“Going into the huddle every play and knowing if I don’t do my job the play will break down is my favorite thing,” said Vankoughnett. “I love the pressure that being the quarterback gives you.”

The Lancers’ star has modeled his game after the Seattle Seahawks’ Russel Wilson. Reid looks up to Russel Wilson because not only is Wilson an amazing football player, but Reid’s favourite part is all the stuff he does outside of football. Vankoughnett explained, “Going to hospitals weekly and spending time with kids who aren’t living the best life- he tries to make their life better. The stuff he does outside of football by helping out kids, I admire, but I love his work ethic and try to strive to work as hard as he does.”

Reid’s current goals are to go into Kinesiology, and he plans on taking football whether If that is right out of high school playing university, or taking a year or two of junior in BC for the Kamloops Broncos (CJFL).

In terms of recruitment, Reid has been talking to the University of Manitoba, the University of Ottawa, Bishops, University of Toronto, and Mount Alison. “I found that the Canada Cup provided an opportunity for exposure and I have really enjoyed it, so far,” mentioned Vankoughnett.

At this moment Reid has not committed and he’s open to any schools, he replied, “I’m just looking for a school where academics can help me after football is over.”

Reid thinks that the hardest thing for him at the next level is adjusting to how fast the speed of the game is. Other than that Reid believes he is ready for all the film sessions and chalk talk. “I am very interested in that stuff and I can’t wait to play at the next level,” said Vankoughnett.

To improve his production on the field, this off-season Reid went to Recruit Ready. He’s also gone to NFA camps with JC Boice, and he believes that the Recruit Ready and the camps have put him in the situation to give his team the best opportunity to win this year. Reid added that he thinks playing in the Canada Cup has also given him an edge.

Reid’s Dad, Dave Vankoughnett, is someone Reid will always look up to. One day Reid wants to play in the CFL just like him. Reid explained, “My work ethic comes from how hard he worked- I work the same way he did, I want to play like he did.” Reid’s father played in the CFL for eleven seasons as an offensive lineman.

“Right now football means everything to me. When I am on the field, I don’t have to worry about anything- when I’m playing the world just slows down,” replied Vankoughnett.

Over the course of his seven years of football, Reid has learnt that in life and in football giving up is not an option.

Reid is a multi-sport athlete. He also takes part in high school hockey, water polo, handball, basketball, and track, all for the Dakota Lancers.

Reid Vankoughnett
Quarterback
6’2, 195 lbs

Teams: St. Vital Mustangs (MMFA), Dakota Lancers (WHSFL)
Commitment: none
Official Visits: none
Considerations: open
Class: 2018