Cade Cote’s ability to rumble over opposing tacklers helped his Terry Fox Ravens senior football team to a Subway Bowl provincial final in 2017 and a semifinal a year later.
But when Cote suits up for the Central Michigan University (CMU) Chippewas next September, he’ll be on the other side of the ball.
Thursday, Cote visited his former high school for a small ceremony to officially sign a letter of intent to attend CMU. The 6’3”, 231-lb. running back is back in town for the holidays after a semester in Ontario, sharpening his football skills and adding 39 lb. to his frame in the gym at Football North, a prep program at Clarkson secondary school in Mississauga. He leaves for early admission at CMU, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., in January.
Cote said the extra semester of seasoning allowed him to focus on developing his defensive skills as an outside linebacker and defensive end, which is likely where he’ll play in the NCAA. It also gave him exposure to the kind of top American players he’ll be competing against as Football North’s schedule is entirely comprised of exhibition games against renowned football schools in the U.S., such as St. Ignatius in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cote said lining up exclusively on the defensive side of the ball was a “weird experience” as he’d always had to play both defence and offence during his nine years of football.
“It was a lot easier on my body and I got to focus on trying my best by going 100% on every play,” he said.
Being on the sidelines when his team was on offence also gave Cote a new perspective on the game.
“You get more of a feel of the game,” he said. “You can see what you have to do to make your team better instead of just being on the field all the time and doing it all yourself.”
That sideline education served Cote well. He was named the most valuable defensive player at Football North and he’s confident he’s ready to take the next step.
“It shows me that I can play with the best,” Cote said. “Going in with a great mentality is one of the most important things you can do.”
He’s also excited to be going to a program that is on its way up. After winning just one game two years ago, a new coaching staff guided the Chippewas to eight wins this past season and, Saturday, the team played San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque.
Looking to his future at CMU, Cote said: “It’s going to be a great experience."
