Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

It didn’t take Richmond Hill’s C.J. Menzie long to establish his relationship with football. “I started playing football when I was around four years old because my family encouraged me,” explained Menzie. “I fell in love with the game right away.”

Growing up with the sport, the Wildcats’ senior running back has a myriad of memories. He also feels fortunate to have had experiences on both sides of the field.

“My favorite memory from youth football is when I broke a 60-yard run, and Coach Eddie was racing me to the end zone,” said Menzie. “I didn’t always play running back. I also played linebacker, which helped me understand different parts of the game. Especially now since I play running back, I have a feeling of how they would play.”

Menzie joined the Wildcats’ program midway through last season after he spent his first three years seeing limited time at BenedictineMilitary School. He has taken pride in developing as a running back.

“Over the last few years, I’ve learned that being a running back takes patience, vision, toughness, and trusting your blockers,” said Menzie. “It’s about making the most of every opportunity.

“I really started feeling comfortable and confident after knowing these coaches are putting their trust in me to do what I have to do to bring home a win and as well as being able to trust my offensive linemen. It really helped the way the game slowed down for me, and I trusted my preparation.”

Through the years, Menzie has credited his coaches for his success.

“My biggest influence in football has been my coaches and my family because they always want the best for me, regardless of whether it’s on the field or off,” he said. “They push me to be the best I can be.”

Last season, Menzie rushed for 134 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in a supporting role. This season, head coach Matt LeZotte envisions Menzie to take on a leading role.

“C.J. enters his senior season with a tremendous opportunity in front of him after transferring into our program midway through his junior year,” explained LeZotte.

“From the day he arrived, we saw a player with tremendous natural ability whose potential had yet to be fully developed. Over the past several months, he has embraced the work, bought into our standards, and taken significant strides both physically and mentally.”

And summer, LeZotte has seen plenty of potential in Menzie

“That untapped talent is beginning to emerge, and he's becoming the complete back we believed he could be,” said LeZotte. “His best football is still ahead of him, and this season gives him the chance to show just how high his ceiling truly is.”

Menzie shares some similar thoughts about his team..

“I think our team learned a lot from last season,” reflected Menzie. “We’ve grown closer, worked hard, and we’re excited about what we can accomplish this year. I definitely think this team is capable of making a deep playoff run. We have a lot of talent, great chemistry, and everyone is committed to getting better every day.

“Everyone is excited to get started. We’ve been putting in a lot of work during the offseason, and we’re ready to get back on the field.”