Former Cochrane High Cobras running back and linebacker Jackson McLean signed with the University of Calgary Dinos football program on Jan. 27.
Former Cochrane High Cobras running back and linebacker Jackson McLean signed with the University of Calgary Dinos football program on Jan. 27.
McLean, who was one of six players named as the Cobras Most Valuable Player (MVP), while also sharing the team's Leadership Award, was also named the league's Best Defensive Player for his ferocious tackles and leadership on a stout Cochrane High defence.
“Choosing to sign with the Dinos was easy, I've been working towards playing at the next level for years and when I was accepted I knew I wasn't going to look anywhere else, ” McLean said.
“The program at the University of Calgary is very intense and competitive, making my choice easier. I didn't release my film to any other schools so I wasn't scouted by other universities. ”
The young Cochrane High star was a huge part of the Cobras team that went undefeated throughout the Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) regular season with a 6-0 record, as well as winning all four Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) Provincial games including a 21-14 victory in the final over the Holy Rosary Raiders on Nov. 24. In those 10 games, the Cobras outscored their opponents by an astounding margin of 414-53, where Cochrane High averaged 41 points per game while never giving up more than 14 points en route to the team's fourth straight provincial championship.
McLean said that the Cobras football program gave him the best chance to be physically and mentally prepared to move up and play university level football.
“The Cobras have a system that makes players want to achieve their best, this mentality is what has supported me throughout my football years, ” McLean said.
“I understand that there's a large gap between high school and university football, but I believe the Cochrane Cobras have given me the absolute best advantage walking into the University of Calgary. Cochrane High will continue to send players to the next level. ”
Cochrane High has many former members of the Cobras program playing university football including four at the University of Calgary. McLean will be joining Kane Boklaschuk, Erik Nusl, Zach Rabe and Dylan Gingrich-Hadley on the Dinos roster when training camp begins in August.
“It's going to be great to connect with those guys again, I've played through bantam and high school with most of them, ” McLean said.
“I have reached out, just asking questions about the program and what I can expect. It's a great experience to continue playing along side a bunch of guys I already know. ”
As for McLean, the soon to be Cochrane High graduate said he has some goals.
“I'm aiming to go into the medical field school wise. Football wise, I really want to build a strong connection to the team and the program it offers, ” McLean said.
“I want to prove that in the upcoming years, I can compete with players that are soon to enter the Canadian Football League (CFL) draft. Ideally, in a few years I would be in med school playing an important role both in the classroom and on the field. ”
