As Tulane prepares to face off against an undefeated SMU on Thursday night, fans might recognize some familiar faces making their return to the DFW-area on Tulane's side of the ball. Texas high school stars return to Dallas as the Green Wave attempts to splash out the Mustangs fire on Thursday. Who will you recognize?
FW Country Day's Canaan Factor
His year-round athletic schedule reads like a blueprint for consistency and discipline, with each season bringing new opportunities—and new accolades.
This fall, Factor earned All-SPC honors and was named SPC-3A Wide Receiver of the Year, anchoring a high-powered Falcons offense.
Just months later, he capped off the winter basketball season by earning the team’s MVP award and another All-SPC selection.
Photo provided by Canaan Factor (Twitter: @CanaanFactor26)
And now, he’s back at it—this time on the track—competing in sprints, jumps, and relays for FWCD as they head into the SPC Spring Championship Meet this Saturday.
With all that on his plate, it’s fair to wonder when Factor ever has time to rest.
“That’s definitely what it seems like,” Factor said with a laugh. “But in all honesty, there are a lot of benefits because it helps me to become a more well-rounded athlete overall. Growing up, I would always play whatever sport was in season, and I never really outgrew that. It’s difficult to just give up on any one sport, so I like to think that my favorite one is whichever I’m playing at the time.”
While he enjoys each sport, football remains his long-term focus.
Factor hopes to play at the collegiate level and has already taken steps toward that goal. Last summer, he attended camps at TCU and Trinity, and this June, he plans to train at Georgetown, Princeton, and Tulsa, just to name a few.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Factor possesses the physical traits to succeed at the next level. As both a wide receiver and a defensive back, his length and strength set him apart. But he believes it’s another attribute that gives him a unique edge.
“Obviously, speed kills at the receiver position,” he said. “But I think one thing that helps to make me stand apart would be my ability to jump. Basketball has really helped me with that, because of the constant repetition in games and practice. I’ve gotten my vertical up to about 37 inches now, so that’s provided me with something of an edge on the field.”
Factor leaps over a defender to snag a passPhoto provided by Canaan Factor (Twitter: @CanaanFactor26) -- Shot by Animal State Studios
That explosiveness has also translated well to track and field. Factor competes in the High Jump, Long Jump, 100m Dash, 200m Dash, and 4x100m Relay—showcasing not just his versatility but his willingness to push himself in new ways.
Throughout his athletic journey, two key influences stand out.
“The first one that comes to mind is definitely my Dad,” Factor said. “In terms of staying on me, pushing me to compete, and literally doing everything he possibly can to help me succeed, he’s been the one.”
“Another person would be my track coach, Coach (Jared) Connaughton. He’s the type of guy who knows everything about the human body and how to train. He was an Olympian, and he understands what it takes to excel at the next level. Both of them have had a tremendous impact on me and my drive as an athlete.”
Reflecting on his growth over three years at FWCD, Factor points to a shift that’s happened more internally than physically.
“Above all else, I feel that I’ve gotten better at managing my stress levels in each sport,” he said. “Confidence is key in most aspects of life, and I think that’s what I’ve improved on the most. It’s not uncommon to have pre-game or pre-meet butterflies in your stomach. But the more you do it, the more comfortable you get with that level of adversity. I was terrified as a freshman. But now, I’ve been able to overcome that feeling.”
He has yet to receive a formal offer at the next level—whether in football or track—but with his resume and relentless work ethic, it may only be a matter of time.
Until then, Canaan Factor will keep doing what he does best: competing.
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