The CFC looks in on Ontario native Luke Willson, who is currently playing for Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Luke Willson
Position
Tight End/ Inside Receiver
Height/Weight
6’5.5″/ 252 Lbs
Hometown
LaSalle, Ontario
Playing football in the United States can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially hard for a player who has learned to love the game, in Canada. That’s what Rice University player Luke Willson had to go through on his football journey. “The transition was very difficult at first. The main issues I found was getting used to playing with my hand on the ground. In high school I was a slot back who always used waggle (motion) to the line of scrimmage. To add to this, the smaller field also made a big difference,” the dual position man says. “Although there is one less player on the field, between the smaller dimensions of the field and the overall faster pace of the game, my first year was definitely a big adjustment for me. Thankfully I was able to get in tune with the different rules and I feel very comfortable playing with my hand down or from a stationary receiver position.”
For many, playing at an American College is all but a dream. For those like Willson who have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity, it can sometimes come down to being blessed with a big stature. “I think that my natural size had a lot to do with me playing football in the states rather than the CIS. On top of this I think that the combination of playing high school football at a good program (St.Thomas of Villanova. LaSalle, Ontario) and playing in the OVFL for the Essex Ravens, really helped me in my development as a football player.” It’s in high school where many players will find out if they can cut it down south and Willson is no different. “The coaches at Rice told me that they could see the OVFL film was better competition and a little more comparable to American high school football.”
There is so much a senior player can give advice wise to younger players. Willson has a simple message to young players in Canada. “My advice to younger players would be to have fun playing football and enjoy your time with you teammates and coaches.” Along with enjoying the game, understanding the importance of fitness and off season training is also key. “I would recommend training in the off-season but being smart with that training because when you are younger you can easily hurt yourself if you are doing something that you do not know the proper technique to. I would then recommend playing high school and summer football.”
To give an idea of what football is like in the US, Willson says that it is something which is endured throughout the year. “You must understand that you get better by playing the game and here in the USA, football is a year round sport. In the off season here in Texas, high schools send there players to 7 v 7 tournaments. The combination of playing high school and playing in the OVFL, gave me the opportunity to get a lot of extra reps and experience before entering college.”
As for Willson as a player, Rice University has given him many special moments. “Two wins come to mind. Beating our rival the University of Houston in 2010 and beating Purdue last season (2011) by blocking a last second field goal. I had a TD in both games so it as nice to be able to contribute.” Surely, a talent down south, making our country proud.
As for what’s next for Willson, he himself does not know, but the possibilities seem to be endless. “Honestly I am not quite sure what is going to happen next. As you know I have one more season here left at Rice. After that I have a lot of decisions to make. This year is my CFL draft year so I will wait and see what happens with that. I am also hoping that I will have an opportunity to play in the NFL, I know that in order for this to be possible I must continue to train hard and have a good senior season.”
Proving that in order to be a great football player, one has to be a great athlete, Willson also excels in baseball. “Aside from football, I was fortunate enough to sign a baseball contract with the Toronto Blue Jays recently. I am heading down the play in their system this summer for a bit and I am really looking forward to it.”
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