RB McAlonan ready for the next level

Running back Isaac McAlonan is ready to take his competitive spirit and run with it – literally and figuratively.

The 11th grader has one more year of high school before heading off into the world that is post-secondary education, and he is enjoying every minute of it.

Although he is mainly a running back, he also has spent time as a wide receiver and categorizes himself as an Athlete, not a singular position.

“Being (capable) of moving around the field position to position gives me an edge above all players. Being able to go from one play as a running back hitting the hole full speed, to coming out of the backfield the next and running a route at receiver, or playing special teams as a gunner and a returner.”

McAlonan has played football for eleven years now, and while he has many fond moments, his favourite football moment comes more on a personal level.

“Being coached by my two role models, my father and my grandfather. It was for sure the best experience being around so much knowledge and being able to have fun every single time we came together.

McAlonan’s father is in fact Dan McAlonan, a running back himself, who had a 4 game stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1996.

“Scoring touchdowns and hitting the hole full speed has been passed (down) to me through his genes. Ever since I was 6 years old he has been by my side teaching me new things day in and day out. Even though I want to be my own individual unique player, he’s the player I will always model my game after.”

One thing is made clear by McAlonan however, school comes before football.

“My future school plans are to continue to excel in the classroom, getting outstanding marks to help achieve my goal of taking Criminology in University, and opening up many jobs like becoming a lawyer or a police officer.”

He adds that during his time at his future university he will continue playing football ”working hard from the offseason to the (regular) season, and then continue on to play professional football.”

McAlonan says ever since his 11th grade season – part of the Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Thunder, the recruitment process has intensified. He racked up over 2100 yards on 156 carries, with an impressive average of 193 yards per game and let’s not forget 21 touchdowns.

“Schools have been showing interest and have invited me to unofficial visits to show me what they offer from an educational standpoint and also football. (The recruitment process) has been getting better and it will only continue to (get better.)

So far McAlonan has three unofficial visits under his belt, at the University of Toronto, McMaster, and Guelph.

His plan to make the team on either of those schools or none of the above? Stay the course.

“My expectations (of myself is) to continue the path that I am on, and to only work harder everyday towards my goals on and off the football field. In the offseason I will be increasing my intensity and workout plans to develop myself and find more result, so that I can bring that on the football field so I can perform better than ever.”

It is certainly a love affair of football and the McAlonan family, and Isaac is no exception, living by this creed.

“A way I was always taught to look at football was, to not let football use you, use football. Implying to use football to get you far in life. Use it to help you achieve your goals , to do good and school and to develop a successful career and life through football.”

 

Isaac McAlonan
6’1, 170lbs
RB, WR

Team(s): Hamilton Jr Tiger-Cats, Hamilton Ironmen, Niagara Spears, Blessed Trinity Thunder
Official Visits: None
Unofficial Visits: University of Toronto, McMaster, Guelph
Consideration: Open
Commitment: None
Class: 2018