Joshua Macleod started playing football two years ago in Grade 9 with the David Suzuki Grizzlies in the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA).
“At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about it because it seemed very complex,” Joshua said about football. “I played quarterback my first year so that added to the challenge.”
There was a lot of pressure at first, but eventually he got comfortable with it. “After a couple of games I had a better understanding of our systems and the ins and outs of the sport,” added the Grizzly. “I realized I had a genuine passion for football.”
His passion really started to grow in Grade 10, when he became more of a leader, started to train harder and set an example on the field. This past season, Joshua led the junior varsity Grizzlies in receptions, receiving yards, touchdown receptions and interceptions.
Aside from the Grizzlies, the wide receiver/free safety has also played with IDFFL 7v7 and the freshman Halton-Peel team in last years Fox 40 Prospect Challenge (formerly OPC).
For this year’s CFCFPC, he is looking to start the recruitment process with universities, get extra reps and develop his skills, as well as connect with other players and coaches in the football community. Moreover, this upcoming Ontario Provincial Football League (OPFL) season, Joshua will be playing with the Mississauga Warriors.
The Grizzly considers himself to be a multi-sport athlete, so during his football offseason he is playing other sports. Joshua plays rep basketball with the Brampton Inter-City Saints as well as school basketball, alongside the Grizzlies’ track and field team, where he does sprints and javelin.
Beyond that, he does different exercises on the field with the speed ladder, works on his route running technique and goes to the gym with friends. He has also been out to camps with Super Elite Football and the Guelph Gryphons the past two summers.
Out on the field, his role model is Odell Beckham because he is an extraordinary player and his ability to catch the ball is crazy. “He trains hard and makes big plays,” explained Joshua. “But my goal isn’t to be like him, my goal is to be better than him.”
Joshua loves football not only because he is good at it, but also because of the many connections he makes with different people at different skill levels.
“My football team is like a second family on and off the field,” commented the Grizzly. “Every time I step on the field I’m challenged, not just by the opponent, but by myself.”
Joshua Macleod
Positions: Wide receiver, free safety and quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 165lbs
Teams: David Suzuki Grizzlies (ROPSSAA) and Mississauga Warriors (OPFL)
Class: 2019
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