Since the onset of his gridrion career, all Jace Peters ever wanted to do was play at the college level south of the border.
Recently, the 5’10, 190 pound strong safety from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan realized his dream as he committed to NCAA Division 2′ Southwest Baptist Bearcats for the 2016 season.
Peters received the offer from the Bearcats back on November 24th, but only decided on June 16th to take the offer from the Bearcats.
“My coach [Geoff McArhur] got me in touch with them; he coached at Linden Wood University with the Defensive Coordinator so he vouched for me,” recalled Peters of the recruitment process. “I know it took longer then it should have but I wanted to take my time and really explore all options and pick the best one.”
The defensive standout completed a stint with Canada Prep Raiders. Previous to the Raiders, he suited up for Walter Murray Maraders of the Saskatoon Secondary School Athletic Directorate (SSSAD).
Despite intially carving out a different path for his career, the safety is satisfied with the end result of his recruitment process.
“I aimed to play CJFL after high school and then my following season, I aimed to play CIS and then when my senior season rolled around,” recalled Peters. “I aimed a little higher and set my goal to play American college football.”
“There is a huge sense of relief knowing where I’m playing next year, it took longer then expected to finally come to a decision but happy with the choice I made.”
Therefore, his main reason for deciding on the Bearcats was very simple.
“I committed to SBU because it has always be a dream of mine as a Canadian kid to make it out of Canada and play American college football and to show kids that any thing is possible even with all the adversities if you work hard enough,” explained Peters, who received a couple additional NCAA Diivision 2 offers and a few NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) preferred walk on offers.
Furthermore, there were other reasons that played into his decision.
“Missouri live eats and breath football and I love football and I want to experience that culture and the weather is always a bonus especially growing up in the cold harsh Saskatchewan winters,” offered Peters.
Now knowing where he will continue his gridiron career, the defensive standout is focused on his future with the Bearcats and is taking measures on and off the field to ensure he is ready.
“This summer as I prepare for SBU, I’m working two jobs and a couple jobs on the side this summer and training everyday,” said Peters. “I work out with a gym called Ignite Conditioning in Saskatoon ran by Joel lipinski (former CFL player) and Jordan Harbridge.”
Once he does arrive in Missouri, Peters will be focused on making a great impression with his new team while trying to make an early impact.
“I know I have to earn my spot and pay my dues as a rookie but I think I can contribute right away on all special teams,” commented the Saskatoon safety. “I have the drive and love running down field hitting someone.”
“I’m going to look to help my team out in any way there is and work my hardest and enjoy it.”
As he has realized his ultimate gridrion dream, it is not lost on Peters that several individuals played significant roles in halping him achieve it with their continual encouragement and inspiration.
“Joel Lipinski and Jordan Harbridge have been a huge part of my success they work with me day after day helping me in the weight room and on the field,” emphasized the Saskatoon defensive standout. “Sometimes me and Joel lipinski who was a former defensive back in the CFL go out and work on some defensive back fundaments; they have put in a lot of hard work for me and are a big reason why I’m going down south.”
“I wanna give a huge shout out to all my coaches through out my entire football career. My coaches back in Saskatchewan where I started playing football and my coaches at Canada Prep. My friends and family – I want to make them proud and also a thank you to all. I also want to thank my friends and families in Ontario who took me in and treated me like one of there sons. Susan Rossiter and Yuri Iizuka and my parents for helping me in any way they can.”
With his commitment, Peters hopes that his story and gridiron journey inspires youth in Canada to pursue their dreams.
“I hope to motivate kids that it doesn’t matter where you are from or how small you are or whoever says you can’t do it, that as long as you have the heart and work hard, you can do it,” expressed Peters. “You just have to believe.”
“I’m a kid from the middle of nowhere in Saskatchewan. I’m undersized and not the fastest on the field but I didn’t let that stop me, as I continue on with my football career I hope to strive to be a role model and give back to kids and my community back home.”
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
