TRURO, N.S. – Kamryn Matheson’s dream is to play NCAA football.
In an effort to make that a reality, the 17-year-old from Bible Hill has packed his bags and is seeking southern exposure at one of the top boarding schools in the United States.
Last January, Matheson attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and returns later this summer to purse athletics and academics for his senior year.
“I wanted somewhere to go to get more exposure and that’s one of the top football programs in the States, so I thought that I’d go there and develop as a player more just because it’s a really good school.”
Matheson’s schedule at IMG includes football workouts in the morning, followed by classes in the afternoon. He said the workload for school is similar to studies at his former high school – Cobequid Educational Centre – but with more homework.
On the gridiron, the five-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back started as a safety, but moved to corner.
“I’ve improved a lot and a lot of the top guys there, most of them are (NCAA) Division 1 prospects, so I’m getting lots of reps against really good guys and I’m competing with them, so I’ve enjoyed that.”
Because the football season ended at IMG before he arrived, Matheson spent most of his time training with the team but didn’t see game action. However, he was able to showcase his skills last month during an intra-squad game, when he had two breakups and allowed a completion for just two yards on four passes thrown to his side.
Matheson is one of five Canadians training in football at IMG and is the lone Nova Scotia resident. He said the chance to compete against bigger, stronger and faster athletes should prepare him well as he eyes a future in the game.
“I want to play, whether it’s Division 2 or Division 1, I just want to get my school paid for and be able to play as good of football as I can.”
Canadian university recruiters took notice of Matheson when he was a member of Team Nova Scotia at the Football Canada Cup last July in Wolfville. There, he was named to the championship’s all-star team at defensive back, along with fellow CEC Cougar and DB Riley Gabriel.
As many as eight U Sports teams have expressed interest in Matheson, and while the goal is to play NCAA ball, he hasn’t ruled out pursuing a university career in his home country.
“NCAA, that’s the dream, but it’s wherever I fit and wherever is most ideal for me.”
About IMG Academy
IMG Academy is a preparatory boarding school and sport training destination in Bradenton, Fla. The boarding school offers an integrated academic and athletic college preparatory experience across eight sports – baseball, basketball, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer and tennis, as well as track-and-field and cross-country. IMG Academy offers camp programs on a year-round basis, serves as a training and competition venue for amateur, collegiate, and professional teams, adults and families, and is a host site for a variety of events.
- Source: Wikipedia
