NCAA-bound CFC100 commit staying home, joins Bisons

Manitoba adds local recruit to their 2018 class.

CFC100 Rain Slater, an offensive lineman from St. John’s High School, is staying home after all, having recently committed to the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Slater was set to join the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks (NCAA Division 1) for the 2018 season before he decommited. He was apart of the early NCAA signing period where he signed with the Hawks on December 20.

The lineman grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and perhaps the chance to play for his hometown team was too alluring of a prospect to surpass. “At 6’5, 330lbs, Rain Slater is an incredibly exciting addition to our 2018 recruiting class,” said Head Coach Brain Dobi, “Rain has been a dominate football player for years now and we are looking forward to watching him continue to develop with us.”

Slater was the recipient of 2017 Kas Vidruk Lineman of the Year award for his tremendous play with his high school team, the St. John’s Tigers (WHSFL). He also received the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement award for his success in sport and was named to the CFC50 First Team All-Canadians.

Slater began his career with the North Winnipeg Nomads ten years ago. In 2012, he helped the team capture a peewee provincial championship. He followed that up with a bantam provincial championship in 2013. The Nomads recognized him twice as their best offensive lineman in 2012 and 2014.

The 2015 season was kind to Slater. Not only was he impressing NCAA scouts during his time in Chicago and Minneapolis with Recruit Ready, he also brought home a number of accolades. He was the Tigers’ rookie of the year, Recruit Ready’s Border Battle lineman MVP and the 2015 recipient of the Kas Vidruk award. CTV and TSN 1290 recognized him as sports-star of the month in September (CTV) and October (TSN). He was also a WHSFL all-star and a member of the honour roll.