Nolan Ayres has established himself as a dominant force since first stepping out on the football field several years ago.
Ayres was first introduced to football by Steve Fergus, a coach with the Paris District High School football program.
“When I was in Grade nine, Steve Fergus, who knew my dad, said that I should come out and play football. Unfortunately, I had an injury that year, so it was cut short… I then went out to the Cambridge Lions U-16 [and went] on to play for the summer league team,” Ayres explained. “The coach there, Justin Shoniker, took a chance on me [and] helped me love the game on a different level, and made me want to keep playing.”
The offensive lineman learned a lot during his time in Cambridge, as well as gaining success there too.
“When I was coming off the injury, I didn’t know that much about football [and]…playing with the Cambridge Lions opened me up to all the fundamentals and how to be a better player and a great leader. It was a very good experience,” Ayres said.
However, Ayres would then have a chance to play with the Paris District High School (PDHS) boys football program in Grade ten and made a huge impact.
“For the past two years as a senior, my coaches have really helped me take more of a leadership role. They have definitely helped me view the field better and how I play with people surrounding me more,” Ayres said. “I’ve learned how to be a great run blocker [and] how to analyze a defense and break it down. I’ve also learned how to read the players in front of me better, so that I can protect my quarterback and effectively make blocks.”
However, Ayres made his presence felt as he helped the senior team defeat St. John’s College in the Athletic Association of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk championship game during the 2022 season.
“That’s probably one of my biggest highlights…when the senior team called me up to come play for them at the championship game. We ended up winning the whole thing. That was definitely a big moment for me [and] they actually told me an hour before the game that I was starting, so there was definitely a little bit of pressure there too,” he said.
Nevertheless, Ed Kelly, the head coach of the PDHS Panthers program, speaks highly of Ayres.
“Nolan is the only player in Paris history, since we started the senior team back up that was in Grade ten [and] started for the team throughout the playoffs, and [ended up] winning the championship…he was mature enough to deal with all the pressure that goes with being on a team like that and helping out with everyone there including help to develop the other lineman,” Kelly explained. “In every game he plays, he comes up with something that you don’t see…he will run a guy down from behind [or] he’ll break a play up [coming out of nowhere] …he just sees the game at a different level than everyone else.”
Along with continuing his studies, and playing with the Guelph Gryphons U18 team, and capturing all-stars honours there, Ayres is also thinking about his future in football.
“I have had about seven universities pursuing me this summer for football. I had many game visits and met many good coaches and players. It was a great experience. Originally, I was going to graduate in 2025, but I kind of realized that I wasn’t ready for university just yet; so, I’m taking grade 13 to prepare myself,” Ayres said. “The biggest thing for me is looking for a school that feels like a family…to be able to be in the environment where I feel like I can be friends with all the guys in the locker room with good coaches [and] knowing that everyone has got your back.”
However, for Kelly, Ayres unparalleled play and leadership get him an opportunity to not only play for a good university, but eventually break into the pros.
“Every time we play, there are different schools [trying to recruit] him after the games. It started out with just [a few] schools, and then it’s now all the schools in Ontario…Nolan can pretty much play where he desires to play,” said Kelly.. “He’s just got that natural, raw talent…he can move and he has the knowledge of the game…I think he has a really good shot to play in the CFL, for sure, but he could get that break where he makes it to the NFL. The last kid who made it to the NFL, he got that break too. If all the stars line up, and he’s in the right spot at the right time, [combined with] commitment and hard work, he will make it.”
Although he is getting a lot of attention, Ayres remains focused on his studies and getting better as a player.
“I’m definitely leaning towards teaching…that’s something that interests me…and law is also another one. Those are definitely the two big ones for me…on the football side, I want to get a lot stronger in the weight room and just improve on my craft and just learn as much as I can [and] for the next few years. That’s definitely what I will be working towards,” said Ayres. “Honestly, I can’t thank my coaches enough who have helped me get to where I am now. And my parents, obviously, they’ve been a huge supporting factor in my football career and my academics.”
