This past weekend was one that #CFC100 Gregor MacKellar was hoping and dreaming about throughout his gridiron career.
The 6’5, 314 pound offensive lineman from Nova Scotia travelled to Houston, Texas in the hopes of getting more exposure. Attending a camp held by NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team, Rice Owls, he completed alongside a fellow Canadian and current Owls standout.
Putting in an impressive showing at the camp, the Owls took notice and waisted no time giving MacKellar his first NCAA offer.
“I went into the camp with a close connection with offensive guard Peter Godber,” recalled MacKellar. Β “The offer was made after my performance at the camp.”
“I was approached from the head coach from Rice and he made a full offer.”
MacKellar began his gridiron career in 2009 with the Timberlea Titans Minor Football Association.Β That year, the lineman was named MVP for helping the atom team win the Provincial Championship.
He would move to play for both the peewee and bantam teams.Β Additionally, MacKellar has suited up for other teams during his career including Timberlea Renegades as well as Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).
Currently, the lineman is playing with St. Andrewβs College Saints of the Conference Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA).
Moreover, Mackellar has represented his province and country as a member of Team Nova Scotiaβs under -17 squad at the Wilson Cup Challenge in Quebec (2012, 2013), Team Nova Scotiaβs under-18 squad at Football Canada Cup tournaments in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (2014) as well as Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (2015), Team Ontarioβs under-18 squad at the International Bowl in Arlington, Texas (2015) and Team Canadaβs under-18 team at the International Bowl in Arlington Texas (2015).
Last month, the offensive lineman was the only Nova Scotia ranked recruit to make the first edition of the #CFC100 CLASS 2017 RANKINGS.
For MacKellar, this offer was the culmination of hard work and dedication and is pleased that it’s paid off by virtue of his first NCAA offer.
“Ive been waiting for this opportunity since the time I got serious interest since attending St. Andrew’s College in 2014,” reflected the offensive lineman.
Saints Head Coach Len Gurr is thrilled to see MacKellar get his offer.
“Gregor has earned this through his immense talent and hard work,” commented Gurr. Β “As a proud Maritimer, I’m sure it makes this moment even more special.”
“The big man is definitely blazing a trail for others to follow.”
Playing a difficult position, Gurr said the offensive lineman has excelled and only sees great things in the future for him.
“For us as a football program, we could not be more proud of Gregor,” elaborated the Saints Head Coach. Β “It’s not easy playing left tackle at St. Andrew’s and following in the footsteps of two previous NCAA D1 players (Peter Godber and Eddie Meredith), but Gregor has not only carried the torch, he has left his own mark.”
“His ability, character and work ethic which are off-the-charts and I have no doubt today is just the start of exciting days ahead for him.”
As for when a decision will be made on this offer, MacKellar says it will be later this month or early next month as he hopes to make the rounds to other NCAA schools during this summer.
“No commitment has been made as I’m going to more camps this summer,” added the #CFC100. Β “An official decision should be made around the end of June or start of July.”
While it’s an exciting time in MacKellar’s life with his first offer in tow and being ranked on the #CFC100, he isn’t going to stop there when it comes to working hard and setting the bar even higher in setting goals for himself. Basking in the glow of this past weekend’s turn of events, the Owls have given a lot for the lineman to think about regarding his future.
“I hope to bump up on the list and revive more interest,” expressed MacKellar. Β “I’m super happy to be ranked and super happy to receive such an incredible offer as a Canadian.”
“Rice is a top school for me football wise and academically and is going to be hard to turn down.”
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