Pounce ready

Panthers running back faces uphill recruitment battle.

In spite of a setback, St.Marguerite d’Youville Panthers running back Clement Nti is showing no signs of missing a beat.

Clement Nti

Positions:
Running Back, Special Teams

Height/Weight:
5’8.5, 182lbs

Teams:
St. Marguerite d’Youville Panthers (high school: ROPSSAA)
Brampton Bulldogs (junior varsity:   OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Considerations:
Open

Class:
2015

Clement started off as an accomplished track athlete before he fell in love with the gridiron.

In grade nine, his relay team won and broke a midget boys Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) record, and also placed top ten in the province at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA).

Clement also finished thirteenth fastest in all of Ontario in the 100-meter dash at the same OFSAA meet.

It was the same year that the running back decided to start his football career with ROPSSAA’s St. Marguerite d’Youville Panthers, a decision that was based off of his love for the game sprouting into the desire to see what he could do on the field.

Since Clement’s decision to get on the gridiron his freshman year of high school, he has also played a year of junior varsity for the Brampton Bulldogs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

Even though Clement missed most of last season due to an injury he was still able to experience the excitement of what he considers to be the highlight of last season via the performance of his teammates.

“It was a hard fought game for us, we were missing some players but we fought hard throughout the game and came from behind to win the game,” says Clement.

The running back’s injury has also put a damper on the recruitment process since he has not been able to put out a highlight tape since his sophomore season.

“As time goes on I’m hoping it will get better because I’m working hard and trying my best to be in the best shape and avoid injuries that will avoid me from playing,” comments the Panthers standout.

Clement has not spoken to or visited any schools yet due to lack of interest from them and is considering an extra year of high school depending on how things go with the process.

“I haven’t considered what school I will be going to but I will decide depending on what the schools have to offer based on their education program and football program,” comments the running back.

Once he gets to university, Clement plans on taking kinesiology, psychology or teaching and would like to open a football program to help kids get involved in the game to keep them active later on in his life.

A large aspect in Clement’s life is working out, not only just for football, but to stay healthy.

“I believe in fitness and I think that’s one of the healthiest ways to live life.”

His beliefs reflect in his summer training plans to get better, stronger and faster in order to bring his game to the next level.

Using the chip in his shoulder as motivation in the weight room and on the field, he is also focusing on eating healthier to get his body right and strengthening his weaknesses before next season.

His motivation also comes from the most influential people in his life.

On the field he looks up to Richmond Nketiah and his high school coach, who have helped in in many ways.

“Richmond who is like a brother to me is always there for me when I need someone to talk to about football life,” explains Clement. “He can relate to what I go through because he went through a similar process when he was a player in high school.”

The two train together on occasion and Richmond always provides a positive outlook for Clement.

Moreover, he praises his high school coach, JP Falacho, as one of the strongest people he knows because he does not give up and is fearless.

“No matter what the obstacle is he will overcome it,” adds the running back. “That’s the type of attitude that he brings towards his football players and I grasp those things to add to my daily life and my mentality in football.”

Meanwhile, Clement is also a family man whose biggest inspirations are his mom and sisters.

“They support me in everything I do even when I get to [the] point where I don’t know what to do in life,” says Clement.  “They’re always there for me and they are the people who keep me going in life.”