Class 2013: Orion Edwards primed for breakout defensive season (Video)

Today, CFC features class 2013 star defensive back from the Newmarket High Raiders, Orion Edwards. Orion started playing football in grade nine.

Orion Edwards

Positions:
Cornerback, Safety, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Special Teams (Kick Return, Punt Return)

Height/Weight:
5’8, 165 lbs

Teams:
Newmarket High Raiders (high school: YRAA)
Newmarket Bucs (varsity: OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
British Columbia, Guelph, McMaster, Queen’s, Simon Fraser, Toronto, York, Western, Open

Class:
2013

Orion most memorable gridiron experience was the first time he stepped out on the field in grade nine to play for his highs chool team, the Newmarket High Raiders of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA). It was in the third quarter of a game and the team was losing. The Raiders coaching staff decided to take a chance on the defensive rookie and put him in the game.

“I remember covering a 6 foot receiver (I was only 5’1 or 5’2 at the time) and this receiver was also making all the catches,” explains Orion, who also plays for the Newmarket Bucs of the Ontario Varsity Football League. “Anyway, I ended up shutting down the receiver for the rest of the game.”

“We lost but I was rewarded a starting position at the end of the game.”

During his time with the Raiders, Orion has steadily risen into a defensive talent.

Moreover, the Raiders standout has taken on al eadership role as he’s served a team captain for the last two seasons. Among the achievements include team defensive MVP and YRAA all-star. Recently, Orionwas selected to the GTA team that will participate in the all-star game on May 6th at McMaster University.

Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens), Darrelle Revis (New York Jets), Antonio Cromartie (New York Jets) and Asante Samuel (Philadelphia Eagles) are NFL stars that Orion tries to emulate on the field. While the Raiders defensive standout says his coaches have had an impact on his life, there is one coach in particular that has had an impact on his career.

“The most influential of my coaches would be my head coach Andrew Edge (high school and OVFL coach),” says Orion. “He gives me advice on about everything from workout plans to prospective universities and careers.”

However, Orion notes who his biggest influences are in his life.

“My parents are the most influential people in my life,” adds the Raiders player, who hopes to have a future career in policing at the provincial or RCMP level. “They encourage me to do better and to never settle for mediocre.”

As he continues to play on the field, Orion will use the recipe that’s guided him to success thus far.

“The only way you will get better is by grinding through it,” comments Orion. “I know it is a cliché but “practice does make perfect”.”