A high school football player from Airdrie will be keeping his talents close to home as he continues his playing career this fall. George McDougall Mustangs' Reid Jensen signed a letter of intent Dec. 10, 2018, to join the University of Calgary Dinos. The Grade-12 student said his decision to attend the UofC was based on its proximity to Airdrie, as well as the strength of its football team. “[It’s] a great program,” he said. “I haven’t really gone anywhere, so I wanted to stay close to home, near my family.” The 17-year-old is coming off a strong 2018 season with George McDougall in the Rocky View Sports Association. Despite breaking a bone in his hand early on, he missed just a single game – and even earned the league’s Most Valuable Player honour at the end of the season. While his preferred position is at receiver or slot back, Jensen filled in at multiple spots on the field for the Mustangs this year – including two games at quarterback to finish out the season. With Jensen’s running and catching strength on display, the Mustangs finished third in the RVSA with a 4-2 record – the team’s only defeats coming against the Cochrane Cobras and Springbank Phoenix. Following a disappointing semi-final defeat to the Phoenix, George McDougall overcame city rivals Bert Church to claim the division’s bronze medal. Mustangs Head Coach Chris Glass said Jensen’s versatility on offence played an important role in the team’s success. “He played a bit of everything for us,” said head coach Chris Glass. “He played quarterback, receiver, defensive back, he was a kick returner, and at times, he was even like an assistant coach for me.” Having coached Jensen for four years, Glass said the senior’s best attributes are the way he reads the game and uses his speed. “He sees moves coming two or three steps away,” he said. “He’s able to make cuts and make anticipation-based plays that other players aren’t able to. “Speed-wise, he’s fast – he’s one of the fastest players on the field – but it’s the way he uses his speed and creates angles that are advantageous for him.” The Dinos football team is a perennially strong contender in U SPORTS and regularly challenges for the Canada West conference title, the Hardy Cup. The team finished the 2018 regular season undefeated, but lost 43-18 in the Hardy Cup Nov. 10, 2018, to the Saskatchewan Huskies. Jensen acknowledged that, like most Dinos recruits, earning playing time in his first year might not be in the cards. However, he said the challenge of eventually cracking the team’s game-day roster is in his sights. “As a rookie, you have to take your punches in the first year and practise hard so that everyone around you gets better – and then, earn your spot,” he said. “But I learn fast, I’m a skilled player and I already have the size. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to play by year two or three – I’ll just have to give it my all.” According to Glass, the prospect of playing for one of Canada’s best university football teams was a key motivator for Jensen. “When you go to a team like the Dinos, you know they attract top talent and you know, year in and year out, you’re going to have to fight for your position on the team,” he said. “And [Jensen] is up for that challenge. He wants to be competitive every year and for people to push him. He doesn’t want it to be handed to him.” In addition to pursuing his football career at the UofC, Jensen said he intends to study education.
