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.
Although Kevin Victome tried out for this year’s Ontario Prospect Challenge as a receiver he can play all over the field, literally.
“I’m a natural athlete therefore am good at every position. I’m just as good on offence playing quarterback and receiver as I am playing halfback and safety on defence,” he stated. “I usually play the position my coaches think that I’d be the most valuable for the team.”
The Cumberland Panthers (OVFL) and Franco-Cité Faucons (NCSSAA) star explained what it is about playing wideout that he enjoys.
“I like receiver because that is the position where if you want the ball you need to earn it, meaning for the quarterback to throw me to ball I need to be open,” Victome said. “However, what I like the most about the receiver position is when I’m one-on-one with a DB and I have to reach out to grab the ball high in the air. It’s such a thrill when I actually land with the ball in my hands. I also love running straight down the field on a go [route]. It’s also one of the most thrilling parts of the game.”
The 5’11, 148-pound “utility player” looks up to a trio of NFL Pro-Bowlers.
“I look up to Earl Thomas, Tyler Lockett and DeSean Jackson,” Victome pointed out. “Earl Thomas because of how he is on the field with his teammates; he is always hyping people up and he knows how to have fun and also be serious at the same time. Also his personality on and off the field; he is the type of person I want to be in the future,” he added.
“Tyler Lockett was an undrafted receiver and a nobody at the beginning of the season. He started off on special teams, made his plays count and became a starting receiver by the end of the season. Tyler Lockett and DeSean Jackson remind me of myself because they are fast and and agile receivers that always finds a way to get open and get the ball.”
In just over three weeks time, Victome will make his second straight appearance in the Ontario Prospect Challenge, looking to provide an encore of his MVP performance from 2015.
“I played last year so I taught I knew what to expect this year. I knew I had to tryout and work hard to be chosen to make the team. This year processes felt different than last year because there was a combine among the top 100 players which there wasn’t last year, but it was great to be in the top 40 again and make the team.”
The Team East Freshman is looking forward to the challenge the event will bring once again in 2016, as well as putting on a show for the scouts in attendance.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of going up against the very best players from across Ontario. The stronger the payers are, the better the challenge, the harder the game is,” he said. Playing against the best really helps improve my own skills as a player. Also I am looking forward to showing what I am capable of so that more coaches, scouts and players know me so that I can go to the next level.”
For the moment, Victome is numb to any added pressure ahead of the big game, but says he wouldn’t be surprised if butterflies make an appearance.
“Right now, I do not feel any pressure, but maybe the day of the game, once I get inside the stadium, it will be different,” he expressed. “For me the best way of handling the pressure is by ignoring it and focusing on what I have to do. Honestly, I like playing on a big stage; I feel like it encourages me to play better.”
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