You may not have known Chris Osei-Kusi’s name a few weeks ago but after last weekend at the CFL Combine presented by New Era, you definitely do now.
The Queen’s product balled out at the CFL Combine in Toronto, finishing the weekend with the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.47) and had the best bench of all wide receivers (19 reps). He also had an impressive one-on-one session, turning the heads of scouts and general managers alike.
Osei-Kusi now turns his attention to the CFL Draft on May 2 where he’ll hope to hear his name called.
We’ve watched his highlight tapes and now we’ve seen his athletic ability, but what is Osei-Kusi like off the field?
Get to know the receiver in this edition of TMI!
Kristina Costabile: What do you like to do in your free time?
Chris Osei-Kusi: I’m actually in a club called QBAS at Queen’s University. It’s the Queen’s Black Academic Society. It’s one of my hobbies because sometimes, especially at Queen’s, there’s obviously not a lot of minorities there. So be that medium, to be that comfortable space that a lot of people can come into and find, especially other minorities. It’s definitely one of my hobbies that I like to put my time into, for sure, because I know when I came to Queen’s at first, it took some time for me to get comfortable. Having that bridge is always a good thing.
KC: When did you join that?
CO-K: I joined this year. It was weird, I always had other people from the Brampton area, or just other minorities, reach out to me on social media saying, ‘hey, man, what do you think of Queen’s? I’ve heard all of this stuff.’ I feel like there’s a negative perception of what Queen’s is so just being that voice to say, ‘yeah, you know what, at first, it might be a bit of a culture shock but it’s not what you think. There’s going to be something there for you if you’re interested. There’s going to be people similar to you, if that’s what you want. There’s going to be that area where you can feel comfortable.’ I was doing it already on social media so I was like, ‘let me look for a club so I can be more accessible to more people.’
KC: Did you have someone that you looked up to and asked for advice to go to Queen’s too?
CO-K: Not really because I didn’t really know anybody at Queen’s. I just came to visit and I really enjoyed it. One thing that I did, that did help me a lot, they have a student academic athlete mentorship program at Queen’s so in first year, they kinda helped aid with my transition to university. I always knew that once I got of age that I would do it as well. For the past two years, I’ve been a mentor for different first-year kids and what not. Just trying to get them comfortable with that transition.
KC: What CFL player do you compare yourself to?
CO-K: I’d probably say Llevi Noel from Toronto Argos. Or maybe Lemar Durant, who’s on the BC Lions. They’re fast receivers and they’re also pretty big-bodied and have a big frame and I feel like I bring that same skill set to the table.
KC: A lot of football players are superstitious, routine kind of guys. Are you like that?
CO-K: Yes and no (laughs). I was like that in my first year. I was like, ‘okay, I’ve got to make sure I do this, I’ve got to do that. I’ve got to tie this shoe first.’ I feel like as time went on, I tried to realize that these are things that are just in my head and I don’t really need to do them. One thing that I still can’t shake is before the game I have to go out on the field and catch a couple balls, just to remind myself that this is a fun game. It’s supposed to be fun. It kind of takes the pressure off and gets me warmed up.
KC: What about a pre-game playlist? Do you have one of those?
CO-K: For sure. I definitely have some J Cole. Of course some Drake, got to represent Toronto. I’m a big Kodak Black fan, a lot of Kodak Black. Some Meek Mill. Some Lil Wayne. Honestly, I’ll listen to anything. I’ve got Ariana Grande on my playlist! Anything that gets me pumped up, anything that’s good, I’ll listen to it. I have a very diverse playlist.
KC: What would it mean for you to get drafted by a CFL team?
CO-K: It would mean the world, honestly. This has been a dream since I picked up a football. As soon as you fall in love with the game, you want to get to that next level. Being drafted by whatever team, whoever wants to take the opportunity with me, I’d be extremely grateful. Just knowing all of the stuff that goes into getting drafted and all the hard work and all the sacrifices, being drafted, it would kind of be a testament to all my hard work. I’m excited for whoever takes me.
