Colts head coach Tim Kearse knows football and he also personally knows the play of new Cochrane Cobra recruits that have signed with his team.

As an instructor at the Cochrane High School, he's seen these kids grow in size and in football knowledge and believes they will bring qualities sought after by the junior football club.

"I think they'll be adding the same thing that the Cochrane community breeds," says Kearse, "and it's the same thing that we're building here. It's based on the 10 'C's and you see those things in Cochrane: commitment, character, class, composure, communications, confident, consistency, you know, all those things that we look to develop here and those guys already have a strong footing."

Linemen Cody Pickering, linebacker William Eilers and receiver Daniel de Bruin are among the new recruits that signed with the Colts on June 1 and they'll be joining Cobra alumni Luke Kruger on the team.

 He believes they'll quickly find their roles on the team.

"With those gentlemen's football IQ and their willingness to work, I don't see anything less than them being on the football team because they're character kids."

All three have played football together for years and all have three rings from provincial high school championships. 

Pickering stands 6'3" and weighs 300 lbs. and was a key part of the Cobras line as guard and centre. He comes to the team as Rocky View Sports top offensive lineman in 2017 and was also recognized by the Cobras as best special teams players and was both an MVP and leadership award recipient. It's been his sport of choice since age 7 when he joined the Cochrane Lions. 

Staying near home and being among friends in the football family were among the factors in seeking a position with the Colts.

"I know a lot of people on the team, like Will, Daniel and I know the head coach Tim Kearse quite well, so I feel like this is home for me."

At spring camp he dislocated his shoulder but will be ready for the season ahead. In the meantime, he continues to hit the gym to bulk up and lose weight, something being encouraged of all the club's linemen.

"I'm going to give it my all, and show the Colts I can really dominate the field like I have for the Cobras and last three season.".

William Eiler is just coming off an appearance in the Senior Bowl and was named the Cobras top linebacker for the 2017 season. He looks forward to the opportunity to play with the Colts and some of his Cobra teammates.

"They're a great program, they have a winning tradition and it's really close to home, which is nice. I really didn't want to leave Calgary particularly so it's nice to be able to play where my family can come watch me, especially."

Now he plans to spend as much time on the field as possible to prepare for the season, especially focusing on footwork drills and hitting the gym.

Like all players, getting game time is ideal but Eiler says he will help the team in any way possible.

"I just want to contribute as much as I can. If that means getting to play at all or just being at practice and helping my team gets better I'm fine with that."

de Bruin was delayed in getting to the signing because of the provincial track meet in Red Deer. He's a multi-sport athlete that may have started football later than his counterparts but quickly proved to be an impact player. He was named one of the Cobras MVPs last season and also appeared in the Senior Bowl. 

Attending SAIT in the fall, de Bruin saw the Colts as an opportunity to continue to play football after high school.

He's also looking forward to playing with Bobcats alumni Brad Hillier, who is entering his second year with the Colts, as well as his Cobra teammates, whom he's played with since bantam Lions.

Like Eiler, he played in the Senior Bowl and had a good idea of the camp's format.

"It was a lot like to Senior Bowl Camp. I had a good idea of what to expect because the Colts ran the Senior Bowl camp. I had a good time."

Kruger is entering his third year with the club and Kearse also has some history with his older brother Blaine, Kearse was coaching with the Hamilton Ti-Cats at the time and Kruger was there for a tryout.

"Having some history there and then seeing Luke in school as a grade 10 kid and now seeing where he's at as a young man is well deserving and good to be around."

The Colts have had a number of Cochrane football players in their lineup over the years, especially in recent years. Four Cochrane players were on the roster last year. Besides Kruger, running back Brad Hillier, of the Bow Valley Bobcats, made his debut last season, joining his brother Nathan, who was in his second year. Scott Haigh, also a  Bobcats alumni,  also played last year.

The Colts now start training on Tuesday and Thursdays to shake off the rust and learn some of the club's systems before full training camp opens July 23.

Kearse is excited about the season ahead and the enthusiasm displayed by players.

"I'm very excited just to see the turnout tonight (June 1) and see the people show up early as well. I think it's going to be an exciting time for us."