Ontario Prospect Challenge Profile: Emerging victorious from the trenches

The Ontario Prospect Challenge is an elite three phase event that culminates in an all-star game in the spring of 2015.  For more information CLICK HERE.  The TRYOUT SERIES begins in October and goes until the middle of January 2015.

 

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Positions: Running Back, Defensive Back (Safety, Cornerback)
Height/Weight: 6’1, 187 lbs
Teams: St. Michael’s Kerry Blues (high school: CISAA), Burlington Stampeders (OFC)
Commitment: None
Official Visits: None
Considerations: Open
Class: 2018

Jaden Bailey first started playing football when he was seven years old with the Burlington Minor Football Association (BMFA).

Since then, the running back has played with the Burlington Stampeders of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) for the past four seasons and has been named MVP five times in both season and individual Bowl Games.

This past fall, Bailey played for the St. Michael’s Kerry Blues of the Conference Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), where he had hoped to bring the Metro Bowl back.

The standout’s most recent award was at the 2014 Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC), where he was named overall MVP and received a ring from Baron Rings.

Moreover, Bailey was named to the Ontario Football Alliance’s honour roll at the age of 14 (May 2014), Offensive MVP of the Central Ontario Minor Football League (COMFL) Championship Game in 2012 and named to TSN as well as Powerade’s “Powerade 24,” which highlights up and coming Canadian athletes.

The running back’s offseason has consisted of ways to keep himself active.

“I have played a couple seasons of basketball but I think the sport that helps me the most with my football ability is track and field,” said Bailey. “I am the current Halton District 100 metres champion, so it is essential that I work on keeping my speed up in the offseason.”

As for this year’s OPC, the running back has a few goals in mind, starting with wanting to work together with his teammates to become victorious in the 2015 Challenge.

“Secondly, I want to gain experience and improve my game by playing with the best of the best,” added the Kerry Blues’ standout. “And yes, it would sure be nice to once again be named the MVP, but this time at the 2015 game.”

Meanwhile, Bailey would be honoured to find himself near the top of the CFC 100 list in his graduating year. He just began high school this year, but could see the strength of his game and being at the top of the list being beneficial for his future goals.

Bailey loves playing the sport because it is a sport like no other that puts your mind and body to the ultimate test.

“Nothing feels as good as running in that winning touchdown and celebrating with your team of ‘brothers,’” explained the running back. “The strong bond you form with your teammates is on that you don’t get to experience in any other aspect of your life.”

“There is nothing like leaving a game with a trophy in your hand knowing you have gone through the trenches with these guys, given it your all, left it all on the field and emerged victorious.  Football is not an easy sport, but once you’ve played it it’s hard to get it out of your system.”