OPC: Agility may be key for Team Halton-Peel Underclassmen DB Swerhun

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

Already in his gridiron career, Chris Swerhun has demonstrated his flexibility on the field.

“I am able to get around very easy,” elaborated the 5’1, 92 pound defensive back. “I may be small but I always hit hard!”

Swerhun has suited up for the Thunder Bay Minor Football Association with the Stampeders, Marauders and Knights.  During that time, he has grown passionate about playing at the defensive back position.

“I play my position because I am fast and have the mobility/agility to get around and I keep my eye on the ball carrier,” explained the standout that plays cornerback as well as linebacker.  “I like that I can do open field tackles and having the freedom to move.”

Last summer, Swerhun experienced a memorable, yet special moment on the gridiron.

“The highlight was summer of 2014 winning the Silver Championship in the league division in the Minnesota Football Showdown in Blaine, Minnesota,” recalled Swerhun.  “We played some tough teams in grueling heat.”

Additionally, Swerhun previously accomplished a gridiron personal best.

“It would have been the time I got 3 sacks and a fumble recovery,” added the defensive standout.

Next weekend, the defensive back will enjoy another unique gridiron event as he will participate in the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) as part of Team Halton-Peel Underclassmen squad.

“I wanted to be able to go farther with football and when asked if I wanted to try out it was a definite yes,” reflected Swerhun of his introduction to OPC.

Overall, he has enjoyed the entire OPC experience, especially being instructed by coaching staff.

“It has been a fun time so far and nice to learn new technique,” added the Team Halton-Peel defensive back.  “They all seem like good coaches and it has been nice to have a change.”

As for the pressure of playing in such a big event, Swerhun is confident that he will adapt come game day.

“I think I will handle it well because I work well under pressure,” said the Ontario standout.

Swerhun has been taking steps to prepare for the big game.

“I have been practicing with teammates and I do Cross fit two nights a week,” described the Team Halton-Peel defensive back of his pre-game preparations.

He is looking forward to taking the field with the best of the best from Ontario.

“I am excited to compete with my friends and against the receivers,” commented Swerhun.

Recruitment won’t be the central focus for Swerhun at OPC as he is not set to enter a post-secondary institution until 2019. However, he is determined to achieve a couple of key goals at OPC.

“My personal goal is to make some great plays and team goals just to have a good time and play the game,” offered the Team Halton-Peel standout, who has future career aspirations to become a doctor.

Ultimately, Swerhun hopes that OPC will take him one step closer to achieving his long-term gridiron goal.

“I want to be able to just overall become better,” expressed Swerhun.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)