Opposing high school football players can rest easy now.
Cochrane High School Cobras defensive lineman the colossal Justin Sambu won’t be there to terrorize them next season as the Grade 12 graduate is taking his one-man show to the next level with the Canadian Junior Football League’s (CJFL) Calgary Colts.
The 6’5, 275 lb. Sambu recently made the cut at the Colts’ Spring Camp, which was held May 6 to 8 at McMahon Stadium.
“It was pretty amazing,” Sambu said of the experience. “I was quite excited to actually get on the squad.”
Going into the camp, Sambu knew he would have to up his game to leave a mark in the collective minds of the Colts coaching staff, but even he was surprised at the level of intensity and pace junior football offers.
“I expected it to be a lot faster than high school,” he said. “After my Texas trip where I played against some of the best players in the U.S., I thought I’d have some good experience going in, but you’re playing against some guys who are 21, 22-years-old.
“The overall intensity and speed was a lot quicker than I thought it would be, so I have to be ready for that.”
He made waves in his final season of high school football, as he helped the Cobras to a second consecutive Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) Tier 3 Football Provincial Championship, where his size, skill, and athleticism made him one of the stand-out players of the year.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed by recruiters either, as he’s currently ranked seventh overall in CanadianFootballChat.com’s Class of 2017 player rankings.
“He’s a real talent, and this is a fantastic achievement,” Cobras co-head coach Rob McNab said of Sambu’s recent success. “Junior football is now very viable in Canada, so a lot of kids will play it before they go to CIS, and some play junior and go right to the CFL.
“With his size and ability, the sky’s the limit. He’s going to be a great addition (to the Colts).”
Comparing Sambu to other linemen McNab has seen in his long tenure as a Cobras coach, brings out a hint of envy in his voice.
“He’s just different,” McNab smiled. “Justin’s a big power lineman, and he’s also so athletic for his size. I don’t think we’ve ever had a lineman with his size and ability.
“We’ve had big linemen make the CFL, but he is something special.”
When asked what kind of impact McNab and fellow Cobras coach Bruce O’Neil had on his development, Sambu’s praise was superlative.
“That’s where all of my improvement has come from,” Sambu said. “O’Neil helped me with my intensity, and McNab helped me with my all-around game. They’ve both taught me lots about what to do on the field and how to be a leader.
“I’ve used all of their advice to get where I am.”
Going forward, Sambu is focused on training hard and making an impact for the Colts, but the lure of college and university recruiters is always in the periphery.
“Right now I’ve been talking to a couple of recruiters, so that’s mixed up my plan,” he laughed. “We’ll see what happens, but right now I’m concentrating on the Colts.
“I’m going to carry over the skill and intensity that helped me win championships with the Cobras, to the Colts and excel to the best of my ability.”
Don’t bet against him.
