Quebec tight end commits to NCAA’s Cincinnati Bearcats

It’s been an extremely busy but rewarding offseason for Bruno Labelle.

After a lengthy recruitment process, the 6’4, 210 pound tight end from Sainte Therese, Quebec has verbally committed to NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team, Cincinnati Bearcats.

For Labelle, it has capped off a year of hard work, determination and motivation.  It all began at an event south of the border and continued on into his home province.

“It’s the result of a year of intense workouts because everything started in my mind one year ago when I went to a Showcase in Ohio in front of around 20 college scouts,” recalled Labelle.  “I knew at this time that I could play at this level.”

“So I put in work this winter in the strength room and the track with Perfmax Racing in Montreal.”

Moreover, this was one of the hectic summers the Quebec standout has experienced in his career. In his quest to achieve his ultimate dream of playing at the NCAA Division 1 level, he set out on a journey which entailed visiting many states and camps.

“This summer, I did a bus tour with The AllOut Camp,” recounted Labelle.  “We did another Showcase in Cleveland before jumping in the bus for the real business trip.”

“At this camp, Minnesota showed some interest and I still in contact with them. We started with Indiana and after Michigan State, Michigan, Cincinnati and Ohio State, we finished with Penn State.”

However, the Bearcats took notice and were the first to offer the tight end.  Labelle was “blessed” when he was bestowed the offer.

“I did very well at Cincinnati and they offered me after the camp,” added the Quebec tight end.  “It was an unbelievable feeling to know that I will finally realize my dream to play college football.”

In addition to the Bearcats, Labelle received four other NCAA Division 1 FBS offers.  Those include Buffalo Bulls, Bowling Green Falcons, Ball State Cardinals and Toledo Rockets. Additionally, Minnesota Gophers and Indiana Hoosiers were courting the Quebec tight end.

 

Currently, Labelle is playing his second season with CEGEP Division 1 team, Montmorency Nomades.  Previous to the Nomades, he suited up for Laurentide-Lanaudiere Wildcats.

As for his decision to verbally commit to the Bearcats, it came down to the relationship he had with the coaching staff and the chance to make an early impact on the team.

“I want to play early, but I wasn’t really looking at the depth chart,” explained Labelle.  “I want to earn my spot and I know they’re going to give me that opportunity there.”

“I get along with Tight End Coach Nick Grimes and I look forward to work with him.”

In the coming weeks and months, the Quebec tight end hopes to achieve specific training goals which will help him in his transition to NCAA football.

“I need to gain some weight to be more effective in the blocking game,” offered Labelle.  “I think it’s a good fit for me because they have a really strong passing game and they are ranked in the Top 10 for the best win-loss record since 2007 (75-29).”

“I always wanted to play for a winning team.”

Now with the realization that his gridiron dream has become a reality, the offensive standout says it would not have been possible without the encouragement and motivation of several individuals that have been there for him throughout his career.

“I would like to thank Yves Dossus and Paul Eddy Saint Vilien for giving me that opportunity, my track coach Marc Eli Toussaint, all my coaches at Montmorency College and my family for their support all along this process,” expressed Labelle.

 

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