NCAA, U-Sports schools in the mix for QB Matthew Wilson

Matthew Wilson will enter his senior year, with an opportunity to make a name for himself. The grade 12 quarterback out of Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan will look to lead the Crusaders to their 7th straight city championship. Enormous pressure will be on the shoulders of the dual threat QB, however he believes he’ll be more than ready to conquer the task at hand.

“I have got lots of friends who were pivotal in the previous 6 city championships and it is not just a desire to win it anymore, its an expectation.” says Wilson.

Wilson spent his grade 11 season as a backup, an experience that allowed him to develop as a player. “I learned to be patient and trust the process, it was frustrating at times to not see the field but I just used it as fuel to the fire to motivate me for my senior year.” he notes.

He’ll enter this season as the starter and will look to reassert the Crusaders on top in Saskatchewan.

Wilson has had a busy past 13 months, which have included three separate showings with Team Saskatchewan. Wilson starred at the Canada Cup in both 2016 and 2017, helping Sask bring home silver medals in both appearances. Matthew also quarterback’d the U17 Team Saskatchewan squad at the  International Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

The experience to play at AT&T Stadium “was a huge honour” according to Wilson. “You think of all the great players who have stepped on that field and it gives you the chills.” he adds.

Wilson was thrust into action late in the 2016 4A Provincial Final versus the Leboldus Golden Suns and made a monster statement. He found the house twice in the fourth quarter, and showed no fear against one of the top teams in the nation.

“I believe my performance really reassured me of myself, the whole year I was looking for playing time and I was beginning to doubt myself when it didn’t come but I kept working at my craft. When my time came in the 4th quarter I answered, I did my best to make my impact felt and show what I had to everyone there.” says Wilson.

Holy Cross has fallen short to the Regina powerhouse that is Leboldus in the provincial final in five consecutive seasons. A matchup that the Crusaders will look to win for the first time during that stretch, in what would cement Wilson’s legacy at Cross.

Matthew is a 6’1 175lb pure athlete who is able to make plays on the ground to go along with his impressive arm. When asked about a pro who he tries to model his game after, he listed Russell Wilson.

“I am not afraid to use my legs to make plays happen and the leadership of Russell is second to none, he is a student of the game.” he adds.

Matthew comes from an athletic family, both of his parents competed in track and field at the post-secondary level. His mother threw javelin, while his father was a runner. Wilson believes the combination of his mothers arm, and his fathers legs created the type of player he is today. He describes himself as a natural leader, a trait that he believes helps him as a quarterback.

Wilson describes his ongoing recruitment as “an eye-opening experience”. He will soon be faced with a big decision when it comes to where he will be suiting up down the road. The pivot has narrowed his post-secondary options down to four. His decision will likely be between the University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University and Concordia University.

The U of S would provide Matthew the opportunity to continue living in his hometown, and on top of that join one of Canada’s best football programs. Alberta is a developing program, which would benefit from a high end quarterback recruit like Wilson. “They run an offense I really like and they are relatively close to home which would allow my mom to come to most of my games.” he notes.

Meanwhile, Simon Fraser is a dark horse option for Wilson. The opportunity to play in the NCAA is something that Matt has always dreamed about. “SFU is a little farther from home but the school itself has many upsides to it academically. I had the pleasure of meeting head coach Kelly Bates and coordinator Keenan North who bring a great pedigree to the program.” says Wilson.

Concordia would provide Matt the opportunity to compete for playing time immediately as well as live in a world class city. “The University of Concordia is a good option for me, the school is prestigious, the coaching is great and the culture in Montreal is fantastic.” he adds.

Look for the Holy Cross product to announce his decision after the completion of his senior year.

Matthew is a tremendous quarterback. He’s a very heady player, who isn’t afraid of hanging in the pocket and taking a hit to make a play. He has a drive and passion for the game, as well as a great football IQ. In my mind, Wilson would make a terrific post-secondary pivot. His ability to extend the play, and move the chains with his legs is ideal. As he continues to gain weight and add arm-strength, he’ll continue to catapult in terms of player growth. He’ll be a true must watch player in Saskatchewan during the 2017 season.

Matthew Wilson (#3)
Quarterback 
6’1, 185lbs

Teams: Holy Cross Crusaders, U18 Team Saskatchewan
Commitment: none
Unofficial Visits: none
Official Visits: one
Considerations: University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University, Concordia University
Class: 2018