Gopher force

Could Gophers lineman be next Bison in?

Garden City College Gophers lineman Tomas Grant is hoping one trend will continue after this fall.

Tomas Grant

Positions:
Offensive Line, Defensive Line

Height/Weight:
5’10, 220 lbs

Teams:
Garden City Collegiate Gophers (high school:  WHSFL)
North Winnipeg Nomads

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Consideration:
Manitoba, Ottawa, Open

Class:
2015

Tomas began his football career with the North Winnipeg Nomads and played six seasons with the club before suiting up for the Garden City Collegiate Gophers of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL).

During his six-year stint with the Nomads, the lineman was named the team’s MVP on twice as well as the Lineman of the Year. Furthermore, the Nomads captured two Championships in three appearances.

In 2012, the Winnipeg native was named Gophers Rookie of the Year.  The following season, the Gophers were championship finalists. That same season, Tomas was selected as a WSHFL All Star and named Kas Vidruk Lineman of the Year.

The highlight of Tomas’ football career came during last year’s playoffs, as he forced a fumble during a critical point of the game, which was recovered for a Gophers touchdown.

Aside from athletic ability, the High School senior uses his knowledge of the game and leadership skills to help his team. Since his first season on the gridiron, Tomas has always been a team captain.

Throughout the year, Tomas trains hard.

“I’ve been doing weight training pretty much everyday and field work two to three times a week,” says Tomas. “I work on my speed, explosion, and all around technique.”

“I train hard and am going to continue training; hopefully the results will show on the field this season.”

The lineman recognizes and appreciates the many people who have helped him along the way, including a CFL mentor.

“The most influential person in my life would have to be my mother”, explains Tomas. “And in football my greatest influence is Eddie Steele of the Edmonton Eskimos.”

“He has been incredibly supportive, serving as a mentor and a role model”.

Going in to his final high school season, Tomas hopes to garner the attention of University recruiters. Thus far, the Gophers lineman hasn’t been exposed to the recruitment process but hopes to generate more interest this upcoming season.  Overall, the game has always played a significant role in Tomas’ life and he hopes that trend will continue at the CIS level.

“Some CIS schools I’ve been considering are the University of Manitoba as well as the University of Ottawa,” explains the 2015 graduate. “University of Manitoba has a strong football program and where else would you want to play but home, in front of your hometown fans, in a new stadium?”

Aside from athletics, Tomas would like to attend the University of Manitoba in order to achieve a business degree. Additionally, the Gophers standout is interested in trade school.

Tomas is excited for the upcoming season and although the recruitment process has been disappointing thus far, he hopes the tide will turn.

“I would like to make some university visitations this season if the offers come,” says Thomas.