Fox 40 Prospect Challenge (Central): QB Rana doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t love football

Huzaifah (Zee) Rana has had an amazing eight-year long football experience.

The quarterback started playing football when he was just eight-years-old with the Orleans Bengals in the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA). Zee also plays in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) with the Cumberland Panthers. Moreover, he also plays in the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association (CISAA) with Ashbury College, where he has also participated in an AIA High School Bowl.

During his 2016/2017 seasons, the quarterback has accumulated 17 touchdown passes and over 800 yards.

Outside his normal teams, Zee has also played with U16 Team Ontario and with the East team in past Ontario Prospect Challenges.

“Each one of these experiences has taught me something new about myself and about the game,” said Zee.

This year, his goals for the CFCFPC are to keep getting more opportunities for exposure and to keep playing the game that he loves. “I would hope that I could be so fortunate as to be able to play for CIS or NCAA schools one day,” added Zee.

During the off-season, he trains with a quarterback coach weekly to help enhance his game fundamentals, his throwing motions, his dropbacks, and how to read defences. He also trains three times a week with Human 2.0 to help him build strength and speed, as well as learn the mechanics of his body and nutrition.

“I personally feel that this has really helped me improve my quickness and mobility,” continued Zee, who said Human 2.0 came as a recommendation from his physiotherapist.

On the field, his idol is Dak Prescott because he has proven to many doubters that he can do it. Prescott was able to step in for Romo and really take the lead for the team. “He never gave up,” said Zee. “He was a fourth round pick and faced many critics, but in his first year as [he] a rookie took the Cowboys to the NFC Divisional round.”

In terms of Canadian football, his idol is his uncle and former CFL player, Obby Khan.

“He has faced many challenges both on and off the field and I really learned from him that if you really want it, you can get it, but it’s up to you to make it happen,” explained Zee. “Hard work pays off eventually, you just have to be patient.”

Zee says he cannot remember a time where he didn’t love football.

“Every time I would see the ball in the air, to me, it felt like slow motion,” said the quarterback. He grew up watching his uncles playing in the CFL and loved every moment. As Zee got older and started playing the game himself, he noticed the sense of “team” is huge on the field.

“The guys stick up for each other and try their best to help the whole team succeed,” commented Zee. “This game has taught me a lot about reality.”

“You’re not always going to win, it may hurt, it’s hard work, but it feels great when you’re doing it all with your friends and teammates,” said Zee. “This game is never won by one person.”

Huzaifah (Zee) Rana
Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 165lbs
Team: Ashbury College (CISAA)
Unofficial Visits: uOttawa, Western, University at Buffalo and University of Pittsburgh
Considerations: CIS, NCAA
Class: 2019

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Leave a Reply