Titan’s OT McCluskey is aware the teams offence starts with the O-Line

Tristan McCluskey first dawned the red and blue Titan uniform at the age of 8, playing in the the Sackville Minor Football League. As with most of his second grade team mates he dreamed of one day playing for the towns Varsity program.

Playing high school ball in Sackville NB is something not everyone who tries out can do. The CFC50 ranked Titans program is infamously tough, especially in practice. McCluskey entered grade nine aware his chances of starting were little to none, but embraced the teams rigorous training schedule.

Having been big in pee wee and atom, the rookie had gotten used to using his mass to dominate opposing players. With the step to high school, McCluskey was no longer the biggest kid on the block, quickly realizing his technique needed improvement.

“In high school, I got blown out of the water. I had to get better at everything, my stance was horrible, I needed to improve fundamentally and technically.”

Although he didn’t start, the 6-foot-1, 267-pound tank took game reps, but more importantly took two years of practice reps, akin to abuse, against the teams savage starting linemen, including; Isaac Humber, Dylan Estabrooks, and Kyle Tower.  Blocking and pass rushing against these beasts not only toughened McCluskey up, but also gave him invaluable training.

After the teams Spring camp McCluskey entered the off season preparing to play tackle on the teams right side of the line. The Titans are a run dominant team, requiring brutality, speed and precision by their O-line. Having had prepared to take over the center position from Kyle Tower, McCluskey’s shift to Tackle has come with a steep learning curve.

“It’s a whole new adventure, I’ve never played tackle. It was hard at first, all the steps were faster and deeper, it’s going to be a curve but it’s fun,” he said.

A student of the game McCluskey understands the essential role he will play to allow his offense to move the ball.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can about tackle. It starts and ends with us, our team can’t do much without a strong O line,” he explained.

In preparation for this role, McCluskey became more dedicated with the teams lifting program, and has so far noticed increased performance. He’s also aware of the role film will have to help him with his transition.

“I need to do more film, when I do, I take notes on their fundamentals and watch how other players handle them.”

As with his transition from little league to varsity, McCluskey is aware, and focused on the necessity of strengthening his weaknesses, but feels his pass protection is what needs the most work.

“We’re not a big pass team, but when it comes to it, I’m not good at it. I have to work on my footwork and hand placement.”

Aside from his responsibility on the offensive side of the field, McCluskey is anticipating some playing time on the defensive side of the ball at both 3-tech and nose tackle. Having taken equal practice reps as starters since grade 9, McCluskey is excited for the opportunity.

“Coming in, I really wanted to play DL,” McCluskey recalls, “the best part is making an O lineman look silly and making a big play in the backfield. It gives the D a big hype.”

With the season approaching, McCluskey has his sights set on the match up against long time rival Riverview Royals, not just for the feud, but to see how he fares against defensive end, Aidan Steves.

“Aidan is one of the best in the league. I know going against him I’ll probably get beat; he’s strong and has speed. Games against Riverview are always high intensity, you can feel the tension from the rivalry.”

Coming into the season, the two time reigning provincial champions, McCluskey and the Titans realize there is a target on their back, but McCluskey sums up the pressure:

“I love having a target on our back, it makes us push harder, we know we have to keep it.”

 

Tristan McCluskey (#67)
Offensive tackle
6’1, 267lbs

Teams: CFC50 Tantramar Titans
Commitment: none
Official Visits: none
Considerations: Open
Class: 2018