(Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

TOP PROSPECT

From Carlton to the big stage: Local crusader to play in national high school football game

May 12, 2022 | 12:00 PM

A local high school student will soon be on national television in a prestigious football game in Ottawa.

Tazmin Smith-Windsor, a Grade 11 student at Carlton High School, was recently selected to attend the Canadafootballchat.com Prospects Game on May 27.

“They scout the players at each camp and tryout and select the top 70 prospects that they find in the camps and invite them to the actual prospect game that is in Ottawa this year and it is aired on TSN,” said Smith Windsor, who added he was beyond excited when he got the call saying he was selected.

“I remember watching the same game in 2019, that was the last time they played it. I was in Grade 9 when I first watched the game and I thought ‘oh wow, it would be so cool to play in that, maybe I can get there.’ Turns out that I did.”

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In an interview with paNOW, the Carlton Crusader and former Prince Albert River Rider, said he’s doing everything he can to prepare for the game physically. But he acknowledges his biggest challenge will be in the mental game.

“It’s going to be the biggest game I’ve ever played in my entire life. National television, the 70 best players in High School Football, there’s a lot of pressure there so I have to perform at my best. I just got to be smart about it and do my job.”

The 70 prospects are split into two teams, coached by former CFL greats Matt Dunigan and Davis Sanchez. Smith-Windsor will join Team Sanchez along with fellow Saskatchewan players Lukas Scott from Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon and Hayden Russell from Yorkton.

Blaize Cameron from Clarkson Football North and Tristan Scott from Martensville will represent Saskatchewan on Team Dunigan.

“It’s an opportunity for Canadian Football fans to get a closer look at the next John Metchie III, Jesse Lukets, Chase Claypool, Chuba Hubbard, or Nathan Rourke before the rest of the world gets to know who they are,” said CFL on TSN analyst Duane Ford in a media release. “This game is always a highlight on my football calendar.”

For Smith-Windsor, the game is now only a chance to show off his skills to the nation, but to bring him one step closer to his dream.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to play in the CFL and that dream is still there, I still have a desire to go pro. Grade 12, I’d like to sign with a USport team in Canada or possibly an NCAA team down across the border in the States. Either way, play University Football for five years.”

The 2022 Canadafootballchat.com Prospects Game goes May 27 at 11:00 a.m. CST at TD Place in Ottawa.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @pa_craddock