WR Charbonneau prepares for busy recruiting season

Multiple OUA schools on Spears standout’s radar

Niagara Spears wide receiver Rico Johnson-Charbonneau “can and will play anywhere”.

Rico Johnson-Charbonneau:

Positions:
Wide Receiver, Running Back, Defensive Back

Height/Weight:
6’0, 185 lbs

Teams:
Niagara Falls Vikings (NRMFA)
Niagara Falls Eskimos (NRMFA)
Westlane Spartans (high school: SOSSA)
A.N. Myer Marauders (high school: NRHSAA)
Niagara Falls Generals (OVFFL)
Niagara Spears (OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Considerations:
McMaster, Carleton, Western, Guelph,Open

Class:
2018

Rico Johnson-Charbonneau began playing football at the recreational level (Niagara Regional Minor Football Association) and has since dabbled in a group of teams before staying put with the Niagara Spears (OVFL).

This past year, in transferring from Westlane Secondary to A.N. Myer, Charbonneau was handed the disappointing news that he wouldn’t be able to suit up for the Marauders due to eligibility issues. In an unfortunate situation that most players would try to flee from, the receiver said he not only faced the adversity head on – he welcomed it.

“It was obviously disappointing,” he said, “but that’s how life in general is sometimes. I didn’t see it as not being able to play; I saw it as an opportunity to develop as a player and come back stronger.”

Part of his commendable character comes from a late coach of his, he said, who instilled within him the particular confidence a football player needs on the field.

“[Coach] Mike passed away in 2013, but is one of the most influential people in my football career because he pushed me. He knew I wanted it and he pushed me to get it…it gave me the confidence that I could do something with the sport.”

Although listed as a wide out, what pops out about Charbonneau is his versatility.

In 2011, as a member of the Niagara Falls Generals (OVFFL), he won defensive player of the year. Last summer, he made the cut for Team Ontario as a receiver. Instead of committing to a single position, Charbonneau characterizes himself as a football player first and lets coaches decide where he fits best.

“I like playing everywhere. At the end of the day, you got to be ready to go wherever [the team] needs you. And I find that the better I am in a multitude of positions, the better player I am overall,” he mentioned in regards to his versatile style on the gridiron.

His training regimen goes by the way he plays: try to hit as many areas of need as possible. He trains five-to-six times a week in hopes gaining mass and hits the field as often as he can (sometimes everyday) to refine his skills as a player – notably his vertical jump, footwork, and hand-eye coordination.

On the recruiting trail, Charbonneau has been heavily involved and is currently eyeing Carleton, Western, Guelph, and McMaster as possible suitors. In a month, he’ll be attending camps and unofficially visiting Pennsylvania and Carleton.

Regardless of where he chooses to play and what he plans to do, Charbonneau said sports will always be a part of his life.

“I want to study Kinesiology, and if I don’t continue to play football after college, I’d like to be a physiotherapist to help athletes stay fit.”

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

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