Ontario Prospect Challenge Profile: Physical Bear

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Positions: Defensive Back, Linebacker
Height/Weight: 5’11, 184 lbs
Teams: Trinity College Bears (high school: CISAA), Sun Youth Hornets (QMFL ‘AAA’ Division 1), Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL), East Ottawa Generals (NCAFA), Gatineau Vikings (NCAFA)
Commitment: McGill
Class: 2015

At the age of eight, Gates Harding started his career with the East Ottawa Generals in the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).

He then moved to the NCAFA’s Gatineau Vikings, where he continued to play until he was 14-years-old.

The linebacker has also played for the Ottawa Myers Riders of the Ontario Varsity Football League’s (OVFL) as well as both the bantam and midget Sun Youth Hornets of the Quebec Midget Football League (QMFL) ‘AAA’ Division 1, winning back-to-back Championships.

Last year, Harding was approached to play for the Trinity College Bears in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA).

During the offseason, he plays varsity rugby which has improved his open field hitting. He is also more certain of himself as a tackler.

The Bear also took part in his school play this offseason to help become a more “full person.”

This spring, Harding has a couple of main goals he would like to achieve by his participation in the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC).

“My main goal (for the Ontario Prospect Challenge [OPC]) is to perform and get seen by Ontario universities,” said Harding. “Being from Quebec, it’s my chance to be introduce myself to the OUA.”

Overall, he credits the game the giving him the ability to do one thing on the field.

“Football allows me get physical,” explained Harding. “I love making big hits and plays.”

Furthermore, he is passionate about the game because it involves family. Both of his parents have been involved in his local club and he has played with his brother (Griffin – a recent McMaster Marauders commit) for most of his life.

“Playing for Sun Youth and winning back to back championships made me realize that good teams are like families,” added the Bears’ standout. “They stick together and have each other’s back.”