February 26, 2017
by

Mounties add to the line and backfield

MTA add two to their trove.

Simon Cope, a corner from Lo-Ellen Park Secondary and Zach Davidson, an offensive lineman from Holland College, may be from different provinces, but both have similar reasons for committing to the Mount Allison Mounties.

Simon Cope

Courtesy of Simon Cope.

Sackville, New Brunswick, called out to Simon Cope, a resident of Sudbury, Ontario. “I really liked the small town and the whole east coast scene. Coming from northern Ontario, it’s familiar,” he said.

But there was something much more to the allure of the east coast. “My uncle played at Acadia way back in the day and he recommended me looking out east as it really helped him develop as an individual,” Cope said.

Having played for five years, Cope spent time with the Lo-Ellen Park Knights (Sudbury District Secondary Athletic Association) and the Sudbury Gladiators (OFC). “First off, I wouldn’t be half the player I am if it wasn’t for my coaches, Kevin Ellsworth and Jeffery Ruff. They’ve taught me so much not only about football, but also life in the five years I played for them,” Cope said.

Now, the 6’0, 180lbs corner and safety will have the opportunity to further develop under the Mounties coaching staff. “I’ve only talked to the head coach, Scott Brady, but he’s been very easy to work with right from the start,” Cope said.

Courtesy of Simon Cope.

When thinking about his future post-football, Cope said he chose Mount Allison because, “the school is small and constantly ranks in the Top 5 undergraduate schools in Canada.” He is planning on going into political science.

“Obviously with the current state of global affairs, understanding what’s going on and being able to create solutions will be paramount to the next wave of young adults,” he said. “I love political discussion and I’m a self-described Marxist.”

His analytical skills are not used exclusively for politics, however. “My ability to think critically and solve problems has really helped me thing on-the-fly on the field,” Cope said.

Prior to his football days, he was a downhill skier. He said it really helped develop strong legs. He also played hockey throughout his life and was captain on his high school team in 2016. On the football side of things, he was a 2016 captain as well. In 2013, he won a junior city championship, following with a senior championship the next year. Over the past two season, he has been a SDSSAA 1st team all-star.

Zach Davidson

Courtesy of Zach Dawson.

Zach Davidson already knows the magic of the east coast. Hailing from Saint Stephen, New Brunswick, which is on the boarder with Maine, he has spent the past four years playing with the Holland College Hurricanes (Atlantic Football League) in PEI.

“Many things about the school and football program appealed to me. I like the small-town atmosphere and after touring the school and seeing all of the resources that students can take advantage of, it seems like a great place to be for me,” Davidson said.

“On the football side, I felt very welcomed by the players and coaches. The facilities are great. I could see the team atmosphere from everyone there. It’s also the closest school to my family and friends in PEI and home in St. Stephen,” he added.

Courtesy of Zach Dawson.

Standing at 6’1, 288lbs, he has spent 13 years playing the sport. A former Saint Stephen Spartan (New Brunswick High School Football League), Davidson is looking forward to learn from the Mounties coaches. “The coaching staff is awesome and they run a great program. I’m excited to get to work and learn with these coaches. I love the hard-working atmosphere,” he said.

During his career, he has won three straight AFL titles from 2012 to 2015. In high school, he was a 2010 OL of the year and a three-time league all-star.

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

More in Recruiting

 

Leave a Reply