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CJFL Weekend Warrior: Ryan Dekker

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 05/15/17, 1:15PM PDT

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He dreamed of playing with the VI Raiders

The VI Raiders will have a much improved offensive line in 2017 led by fifth year senior Ryan Dekker.

Coming up through the minor football system in Nanaimo, Dekker always had a goal to play with the Raiders after watching their championships under head coach Matt Blokker.  In those days the Raiders had the best offensive line in the BC Conference and one of the best across the entire CJFL, blocking for Andrew Harris.

He became a Raider in 2012, making a trip to the Canadian Bowl in his second season, something he would love to repeat in this final campaign.  

During this offseason he has been working on becoming a better run blocker on the inside, something that will be hugely important for the Raiders running attack.  The blocking schemes will also need to be solid with such a mobile quarterback in Jacob Labarge.

Dekker also has aspirations to work with kids in the education system.  He is working towards his degree in education and also works for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island, specifically kids aged 3-12.

The 2017 season will be his final one in the CJFL and Dekker has had interest from the next level in U Sports.  If given an opportunity he would take it in an instant, but if not he will be content with working with kids and continuing to coach at Southside Minor Football in Nanaimo.

Offensive lineman Ryan Dekker of the VI Raiders is a CJFL Weekend Warrior.