The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29th weekend at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams and players participating in the big event.Ā
Jake Asselin is a natural-born leader on the gridiron.
“I feel my biggest attribute I bring to the field would have to be leadership. I have been captain for the Vikings for the last three seasons,” he mentioned. “I feel like a leader. Being a leader for your team is fun and it makes your team have trust in you.”
The 3-time consecutive Gatineau Vikings (NCAFA) MVP loves the quick-decision-making aspect that comes with playing tailback.
“I enjoy my position because I like being able to run my route or find one if my line of hole is blocked,” elaborated Asselin. “I thrive on making decisions on the spot to get the 1st down or getting in the end zone.”
“I also enjoy trucking anyone that may step in front of me.”
As a running back, Asselin looks up to the NFL’s single-game rushing yardage record holder, Adrian Peterson.
“I like the way [Peterson] plays; he doesnāt juke much; he likes to truck more,” he commented. He has always been my idol.”
On April 30, the Cumberland Panthers (OVFL) will add to his extensive gridiron grocery list that already includes an Offensive MVP Award with the Vikings, along with the three overall MVP awards, and an OPC MVP in 2015 with Team East’s Underclassman squad when he heads to Hamilton to participate in his second straight OPC, this time as a Freshman.
“I got introduced to OPC last year when I was contacted by one of the coaches of the Underclassmen team,” Asselin recalled. “He was a coach in the NCAFA and I have played against him for a few years.”
He is hoping to be noticed by at least a few of the many scouts that will be in attendance at the OPC.
“I am looking forward to, and hoping to be seen by coaches that like the way I play so I can go to the next level and work with coaches that can help me build my skills and further my education,” elaborated Asselin.
The 5’10, 165-pound running back is also looking forward to the experience of playing on the turf at Tim Hortons Field.
“I think playing on the Tim Hortons field will be a great experience,” he expressed. “It will be fun to go out there and play on a pro football field.”
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