Over the next few months CFC will be profiling Canadians playing in the NCAA. CFC tracks all Canadian action south of the border and at the end of the year will update our ‘Canadians in US College’ list.
To check out the list of players that played in the NCAA / NAIA in 2009 please click here.
Check out the bottom of each article for links to other Canadian NCAA player articles.
Today’s Profile:
George Pearkes
Tight end
Duke University
FBS (Div 1A)
Junior
Nelson, BC
L.V. Rogers High School (no football team)
1) For those Canadians who do not already know, talk a little bit about how you got to where you are right now.
I’m a walk-on tight end at Duke University, which plays in the top division of the NCAA, the Football Bowl Series. I’ve been a walk-on since arriving here in August of 2008. I grew up in Nelson, BC, and played football in Grade 10, 11 and 12 in a local youth football league. My high school did not have a team. Following that introduction to the game, I wanted to keep playing, so I contacted Duke’s coaching staff, as I was planning to attend the University as a student regardless of whether I played football or not. They were receptive to me playing, and I’ve been a Blue Devil since.
2) What is the best thing about playing NCAA Football? What is the most challenging thing?
There is no team sport like football, and no football like the NCAA. Short of the pro game, the caliber of athletes, coaches and dedication to the game is unrivaled. So the combination of an amazing group of teammates and an incredibly dedicated coaching staff in the most competitive environment imaginable are what I like most.
At this level, football is hugely time consuming. Between practices, weight lifting, meetings, and all the other minutia of the game, it’s like having a full time job, on top of going to a top-tier academic university. Managing my time is definitely my largest day-to-day challenge.
3) What is your biggest individual goal for 2010 season? Team goal?
Personally, I would like to look back on the 2010 season and know that I helped my team improve somehow on every play, during every lift, and in every meeting. As a team, we have one goal, and that is winning the Atlantic Coast Conference.
4) What is something that people should know about you?
I’m not just a football player. University (or as it is called here in the US, college) is all about engagement, and my football experience is only part of how I engage in Duke’s campus. I also love my academic pursuits, volunteer in the community, take part in the vibrant social scene here, and have aims for a career outside of football after my four years here.
5) What advice do you have to young football players in Canada?
First of all, play the game because you love it. If you’re playing it for any other reason, your potential is limited to how far other people can push you. Second, don’t be afraid to take risks, aim high, and not be afraid of succeeding. Doing well in life is all about showing up, so show up for every opportunity you can, and create opportunities for yourself where there are none!
Past Articles:
John Bender, OL, Nevada (Cochrane, AB)
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
