Phoenix force

Two AUS schools in hot pursuit of Phoenix lineman Barton.

Last fall, Citadel Phoenix lineman O’Neil Barton experienced a historical moment which proved to be the highlight of his young gridiron career.

O’Neil Barton

Positions:
Offensive Line (Left/Right Guard, Left/Right tackle), Defensive Line (Nose Tackle)

Height/Weight:
6’2, 315 lbs

Teams:
Citadel Phoenix (high school:  NSSAFFL)
Halifax Argos (midget: NSISL)
Halifax Seahawks (varsity: NSVFL)
Halifax Chargers
Halifax Raiders
Team Nova Scotia

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Consideration:
Mount Allison, St. Francis Xavier, Open

Class:
2014

O'Neil Barton

O’Neil began his football career in the eighth grade, when he played defensive/offensive tackle for the Halifax Raiders.  Since then, he has built up a resume full of experience as he has previously suited up for the Halifax Chargers, the Halifax Seahawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL) and the Halifax Argos of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL).

Moreover, the lineman has represented his home province on the national stage as a previous member of Team Nova Scotia.

However, O’Neil has experienced his greatest achievements with his high school team, the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). This past fall, he experienced the highlight of his young gridiron career with the Phoenix.

“My most memorable football experience was when we the Citadel High School won the fifth consecutive provincial championship on November 11, 2012,” says O’Neil.

Among the main influences the Nova Scotia lineman credits for making him become the player and person he is today are his parents and Phoenix Offensive Line Coach Gordon Beattie.

“The people who most influence my life would have to be my mother and my father,” explains O’Neil.  “They are the people who have brought me up and raised me and everything I know; I learned from them.”

“My most influential person in football would have to be Coach Gordon Beattie.”

To prepare himself for football, the Phoenix lineman is dedicated to his training regimen with the continual goal of succeeding on the field.

“I work out a lot in the gym and I do hills conditioning,” adds O’Neil.

This upcoming fall will be O’Neil’s last year of high school football.  The Nova Scotia lineman has been actively pursued by two AUS teams – the Mount Allison Mounties and St.FX X-Men.

Thus far, the recruitment process has gone well for the Phoenix lineman.

“The recruiting process has been great,” expresses O’Neil, who would like to pursue future academic studies in marine biology. “Every coach I have talked to so far have been real awesome.”

Ultimately, the Phoenix lineman credits the game for teaching him about perseverance, hard work and effort. This has helped him to tackle gridiron and life endeavours.

“I have learned to never give up, always give it your all and if you work hard, good things will happen,” says O’Neil.

Phoenix Co-Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jeff Lawley has instructed O’Neil for the past few seasons.  He says that the lineman has shown talent and skill during his time with the team.

“O’Neil is extremely versatile,” evaluated Lawley.  “He can play interior offensive line or defensive line and be a force.”

“O’Neil has great size and strength.”

Additionally, the lineman possesses many intangibles which will prove to be an asset to any team he plays for in the future.  O’Neil is expected to be an impact player this upcoming fall for the Phoenix as the team will compete in the Nova Division of the NSSAFFL.

“He is a terrific leader and mentor to our younger players,” commented Lawley.  “If he improves his foot speed, he will be a target for any university team. “

“He is expected to be a major force on our offensive line this coming season.  O’Neil is an extremely hard worker and wants to be successful.”

O'Neil Barton 3

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