Scotian’ accurate (VIDEO)

CFC INSIDER

Cheetahs’ standout takes in two official visits, considering multiple options on both sides of the border

“No pressure, no diamonds” defines Charles P Allen Cheetahs kicker Greg Hutchins.

Greg Hutchins

Positions:
Kicker/Punter, Wide Receiver, Slotback

Height/Weight:
6’3, 200 lbs

Teams:
Charles P Allen Cheetahs (high school:  NSSAFFL)
Bedford-Sackville Saints (bantam)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
Acadia, McMaster

Considerations:
Acadia, McMaster, Western, Carleton, Calgary, Open

Class:
2015

Greg Hutchins 2

Greg has only been playing football for three seasons.

Among the teams Greg has suited up for are the bantam Bedford-Sackville Saints and his high school team, Charles P Allen Cheetahs of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).

Last season, the Cheetahs standout experienced some special highlights that rank high amongst the best of his gridiron career.

“Helping my high school get to the Provincial Championships for the first time in team history was a great experience,” recalls Greg.  “But for me personally, it was the chance to represent my country playing for Team Canada in the 2014 Under-18 International Bowl against Team USA.”

“Winning the game 53-9 made it extra special! I am excited to represent Canada again this year at the 2015 International Bowl in Texas.”

With his quest to achieve further success on the gridiron, Greg has undergone a rigorous training regimen, involving several different fitness and exercise methods. Moreover, he has enlisted the assistance of fellow kickers who have achieved success at the CFL and CIS levels.

“I try to hit the gym regularly for standard weight and cardio training, combined with some specific flexibility and strengthening exercises designed for kickers,” describes the Cheetahs kicker of his regimen.  “During practice, I run routes and take part in offensive and special teams drills with the team.”

“I follow a progressive kicking routine working up to game day which includes warm-up, stretching and muscle-memory drills. It’s really important not to over-kick. Other than that I try to eat right and get some rest.  I’ve also been very lucky to get the chance to kick regularly with Justin Palardy (Ottawa Red Blacks), Brett Lauther (Hamilton Tiger Cats), and Chase Kodejs (St Mary’s Huskies) under the guidance of John McGowan (SMU Kicking Coach), who put together this little Halifax kickers’ support group. I’ve benefitted greatly from their experience, tips, and encouragement.”

Greg Hutchins 4

Throughout his career and his life endeavours, Greg has been fortunate to have several individuals who have served as main sources of support and motivation.

“In life, my family has always been my biggest influence,” expresses Greg.  “They are where I get my character traits and my love of sports.”

“There’s no way I would have all these opportunities without them behind me at every step. In football, I continue to build on the support of past coaches like Steve Majury, and current ones like Mike MacPherson, John McGowan, and Chris Sailer.”

While he does not have concrete academic and career goals, the Cheetahs kicker has given some thought towards his future plans.

“I’m still not really sure what I want to study at university,” offers Greg.  “Maybe arts or social sciences, and I also like the idea of economics and marketing.”

“All I know for sure is that whatever I do as a career, I would like to be able to combine my love of sports with my enjoyment of working with people.”

As for where he will continue his education and gridiron career beyond high school, Greg has not committed anywhere as of yet.  He has taken official visits with Acadia and McMaster and has others scheduled with schools such as Western, Calgary and Carleton this fall.

Moreover, Greg has attracted attention south of the border as well.

“I have been getting attention from special teams coaches,” explains the Nova Scotia standout.  “I made three unofficial visits to Division 1 colleges in the off-season, attended two specialist prospect camps, one ‘junior day’, and had four other specialist camp invites.”

“Wherever I end up, I want to play for a competitive team that will give me the chance to contribute as a kicker and/or punter as soon as possible.”

In spite of challenges, Greg feels that the recruitment process has been a positive experience overall.

“There sure are some challenges, but mostly it has been really fun,” reflects Greg.  “It’s nice to feel wanted and I like the travel!”

“The major challenge is the expense of getting on the radar in the United States is learning about CIS and NCAA regulations and recruiting time frames have been interesting for sure. Even understanding the different scholarship rules and academic requirements across Canada has been eye opening.  As a kicker/punter it was important for me to be ranked in the United States in order to get exposure to Division 1 coaches. I was coached and ranked by Chris Sailer (the number 1 authority for kickers and punters in the U.S.).  Coach Sailer placed me on his exclusive ‘Event Elite’ list that is comprised of the top kickers and punters in the nation. Without this professional ranking it would have been almost impossible to get on the recruiting boards of Division 1 school.             I also find that approaches to recruiting differ a lot among schools on both sides of the boarder. For example, there have been about 2000 Division 1 offers made to the class of 2015 already, and some schools have their roster filled while others are just getting started. It seems to be the same in the CIS. A couple of schools have been in constant contact with me since the summer while others have only made contact very recently.”

Ultimately, Greg credits the game for giving him the recipe for success in tackling all gridiron and life endeavours.

“Football takes commitment, hard work, dedication and a willingness to sacrifice for your team in order to be successful,” says Greg.  “I try to use these things in all areas of my life to help reach my goals and to just be a better person.”

“My new motto is: ‘No Pressure, No Diamonds’. This makes sense for me as a kicker, and I think it applies to life too.”

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GREG HUTCHINS STATISTICS:

Field Goals          82%                                        Long: 48

Punts                    Average: 44                        Long: 70

Kick-Offs              Average: 65                        Long: 85

Extra Points        100%

(NOTE:   Greg regularly hits from 55 yards off the grass in practice; punt and kickoff hang times between 4.1 and 4.7 seconds)

AWARDS AND HONOURS:

-2014 Football University
Chosen to showcase at “Top Gun”

-2014 Chris Sailer Kicking
Selected as Event Elite

-2013 Sport Nova Scotia [football]
Male Team Athlete of the Year

-2013 Football Nova Scotia
High School Player of the Year

-2013 Football Nova Scotia
Provincial MVP Offense

-2013 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
2nd Team All-Star Receiver

-2013 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
Nova Division – Outstanding Kicker/Punter

-2012 Bedford-Sackville Minor Football
Special Teams MVP

-2011 Bedford-Sackville Minor Football
Special Teams Award

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

 

 

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