Sometimes it’s unclear how a program discovers their Canadian talent, but there’s not many secrets here. There was never a doubt in my mind whether CFC100 Kurtis Rourke out of Holy Trinity had the talent to play in the NCAA, it was whether he’d get the opportunity like his brother. Nathan Rourke took a much different route towards NCAA stardom, taking a pit stop at Edgewood Academy in Alabama for his senior year of high school, then he played for Fort Scott Community College in Kansas before landing at Ohio.Β It all began at Holy Trinity in Oakville for both brothers, and thankfully that’s also where it’ll end for Kurtis before heading to Ohio.
NCAA EARLY SIGNING DAY TRACKER
Welcome to Ohio, @Kurtis_rourke7! ????#BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/oM4c1XDWBM
— Ohio Football ? (@OhioFootball) December 19, 2018
Rourke was in command of a high octane offence during his high school career with the Titans, and when you put up 41 total touchdowns in one season, you’re going to start gaining attention. I’ve had the privilege of watching him live in action on two occasions, and from the moment he picked up the ball in warmups it was clear he had the arm talent to make every throw on the field, but even more impressive were his leadership skills in the huddle and on the sidelines. It’s not often you get to be within an earshot of the bench, but it was fun to listen to the communication going on with his offensive coordinator the entire game, and even more entertaining to watch an offence that could legitimately pass their way to victory.
We were able to catch up with Rourke after his official visit in Athens,
“Ohio was very hospitable from the moment we were picked up at the airport to the time we left after 48 hours. I was able to sit in on the pregame meetings and listen to the Head Coach (Coach Solich) speak to the team before the game that night, and later in the locker room after Ohioβs win.” he explains.
“Weβve formed a friendly honest open relationship in which my parents are able to call and talk to the coaches at any time to discuss Nathan and my future with the program.”
CFC100 tailback Maleek Irons currently stars alongside Nathan Rourke at Ohio, with the pair playing a huge role in their 8-4 record and berth in the Frisco Bowl against San Diego State. They’ve also secured the signing of CFC100 Jett Elad out of St. Ignatius in Cleveland, and have an offer on the board for CFC60 Frederik Antoine out of Montmorency.
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