Klaassen enters 2016 looking to get more exposure

Joel Klaassen of Lord Tweedsmuir has created lofty expectations for himself entering his last season

Joel Klaassen

Height/Weight:

5’8″/180lbs

Position:

Corner, running back, receiver, kick returner, punt returner

Teams:

Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers (BCHSFA),

Considerations: 

Simon Fraser University (NCAA Division 2), University of British Columbia, University of Manitoba

Official Visits:

None

Commitment:

None

 

Surrounded by a strong football influence from a young age, Joel Klaassen started playing football in 2010 with the North Surrey Community Football League in British Columbia. Klaassen was able to develop a strong passion for the game due his fathers’ and grandfathers’ intense love for the game.

Klaassen remembers as a young child being glued to the NFL Network at times, which only made his love for the game even stronger. Joel also remembers instances where he attended many CFL games with his grandfather being a long time season ticket holder for the B.C. Lions.

Through the years Klaassen has played football, his game has made the necessary improvements due to his father’s influence. The advice and coaching Klaassen has received from his father has been paramount to the success he has garnered, as Joel has been able to win Canada’s Top Prospects MVP and team MVP for the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers in 2015.

Some key traits Joel relies on whenever he steps on the field is his football IQ and his mental toughness. Joel has relied on these traits to help him play corner and receiver through the years.

When Klaassen started playing corner, he noticed he loved running routes, catching the football, and making run blocks. Also, Klaassen loves the opportunity to burn opposing secondary players deep for touchdowns. It is something Klaassen finds exhilarating.

When Klaassen plays corner, he utilizes his receiver skills to anticipate what his matchup might try and do. Playing that mental game creates the challenge every week for Klaassen to try and make the opposing receivers ineffective.

“My goal every game is to eliminate the opposing team’s number one receiver. I do this by studying them on film and working on my technique in practice and make sure it’s perfect.”

The Lord Tweedsmuir Panther also attribute his success in 2015 to his ambition as a player. Coming into last season, Klaassen wanted to finish the season as a conference all-star and have universities really take notice of him. When 2015 came to a close, Klaassen was not able to secure a spot on the all-conference team, however, his strong play did get the attention of prospective schools.

During 2015, Klaassen came to realize how important film study is to be successful. Being mentally prepared against an opponent is half the battle and Klaassen was keen on gaining whatever advantage he could on the field.

“Film study is really important. Being physically ready is important, but being mentally prepared for your opponent is the key to winning games as well.”

When football season ended, Joel was able to reflect on his experiences from the past season. When remembering the good moments, Klaassen’s most memorable highlight from the season was making the game winning interception against W.J. Mouat.

Aside from introducing Klaassen to football, Klaassen’s family is a steady influential presence within his life because of all the support they have given him. Their involvement in Joel’s life has helped him get to where he as today.

Klaassen is also influenced a great deal by the people who coach him and take the time to try and make Klaassen a better player. This list of people includes William Loftus, Brandon Price, Lou Deslauriers and his father Randy Klaassen.

Accustomed to working hard at his craft, Klaassen had come to respect the legacy of the late NFL star Walter Payton. Despite the fact Payton retired before Klaassen was born,

He draws inspiration from the former running back because of his dedication to the game.

“He accomplished so much throughout his career because he outworked everyone to be the best. I also loved how humble he was and in my opinion that makes him the greatest football player of all time.”

Preparing to graduate in 2017, Joel has become intrigued by the political science program and would like to study that field once he enters university. Due to his passion for helping and being around others, Klaassen is interested in potentially having a career as a personal trainer or teacher.

In addition to excelling on the football field, Joel makes a concerted effort to maintain good grades. Klaassen understands that his performances inside the classroom are just as important as what he does on the field.

“I’ve been keeping up with my school work as well because I understand how important it is to have good grades in order to succeed as a collegiate student-athlete.”

At this moment for Klaassen, Simon Fraser University, the university of British Columbia and Manitoba have expressed interest in the Panthers’ receiver. Despite the interest some schools have shown him so far, Klaassen feels that he have been overlooked by universities and would like the interest around him to pick as he heads into his final year.

“I feel like I am really underrated and I’m not getting the recognition I deserve. I feel like there should be more schools talking to me, but it is what it is. When the season arrives, I’d be more than willing to show everyone what I’m capable of doing this upcoming season.”

With Joel looking to generate more interest with prospective schools and become an all-conference player, the Panthers’ receiver has a lot to look forward to once fall football begins. Aside from the aforementioned goals, Klaassen desires to leave Lord Tweedsmuir with a provincial championship.

To prepare for the upcoming season, Klaassen has engaged in an intense workout regimen. The routine includes lifting weights four times a week, playing in seven on seven tournaments with Game Ready Fitness and working on his route running.

“Whether it’s with a friend or with teammates, I’m always trying to improve my game. I got workout activities at home as well that I do every day. I also do a lot of swimming, especially after workouts. I also love going on hikes every once in a while.”

Outside of football Joel enjoys playing rugby, and partaking in track and field activities.