Jr. Gryphons standout focused on future goals.
This past May, Guelph Jr. Gryphons defensive lineman Simon Black enjoyed a valuable, yet educational gridiron experience.
Simon Black
Positions:
Defensive Line
Height/Weight:
5’10, 280 lbs
Teams:
Guelph Jr. Gryphons (junior varsity: OFC)
Halton Cowboys (OVFL)
North Halton Crimson Tide (OFC)
Commitment:
None
Official Visits:
None
Consideration:
Open
Class:
2018
Simon first started playing the sport at the age of six. Among the teams he has been previously with include Halton Cowboys of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OFC) and North Halton Crimson Tide of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC)
Currently, the defensive back is with the OFC’s Guelph Jr. Gryphons.
The highlight of last year for Simon was playing and learning new things.
“I was a year younger than everyone and it was a great experience because I could see the talent in the older age group and get new experiences,” says Simon.
During his career, he has won both Defensive MVP and Defensive Line MVP honours.
On and off the field, Simon cites Jr. Gryphons coach, Matthew Nesbitt for being an influence.
“He is the most influential person for me because he always pushes me to do my best,” says Simon.
His future plans are to graduate from high school and then attend a post-secondary institution.
This past May, Simon participated in the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) as a member of Team West’s junior varsity squad. Overall, he said the experience was positive.
“I learned that there are a lot of good players in both age groups all over Ontario,” says Simon. “I also learned that if I want to go farther in football I have to work really hard all the time.”
He has a certain training schedule that he focuses on during the offseason.
“My training for football is I practice Tuesday and Thursday and when I do not have football I try to go to the gym and I try to reach the gym three to four times a week,” says Simon. “While I am at the gym, I work on getting stronger, faster and more explosive.”
Simon’s goal this season is to improve, as he plans on doing work, on and off the field, by studying his playbook and working out.
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