Jacob Mate has taken the next step in his football career by signing a letter of intent with the University of Calgary Dinos over the weekend.

The 6'5" defensive end, who occasionally plays defensive tackle, is thrilled to be signed with the reigning national university football champions.

Mate, 16, had spoken with several universities about the post-secondary play, but when the Dinos put an offer on the table he knew where he wanted to go.

In September, he initially spoke with Dinos defensive coordinator Matt Berry. Mate expected a follow-up discussion with head coach Wayne Harris would be a chance to learn more about the recruitment process.

"Coach Harris, instead, just got right to the point. He made an offer, and I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. It was very exciting. I can't even put it into words."

When he had a chance to tour their training facility the rich heritage of the team struck home.

"It was an experience like no other. Being able to witness the kind of resources that we're able to have and all of the names of the former Dinos who have gone on to play in the CFL, many of whom I recognized as some of my current and former coaches."

He believes quality coaching and equally-passionate teammates over the years has helped him to continue to develop his skills.

"I'm really grateful to all the coaches and all the teammates over the past several years who have helped me to develop my skills and really pushed me to get to the next level and be where I am today. I'm also thankful to the Dinos program because they are an intense next level team who will help me further develop my skills and make me into a better player."

Football has been a sport of passion for the grade 12 student at St. Timothy High School since joining the Rocky View Rage at an early age, then the Cochrane Lions.

Mate has been part of many successful football programs and winning regional teams. That includes the Airdrie Raiders football team that won the division two title of the Calgary Spring Football League in 2019. 

"That was something very special. Over the years, we had kids from Cochrane High, Bow Valley, and Airdrie playing against each other. With this team, we all came together to win the title."

Most recently, he's played for the division one St. Francis Browns, a powerhouse in Alberta high school football. It required the extra commitment to make a 60-plus km round trip into Calgary for practices and games.

"It was an incredible experience. I had to go through a lot in order to play for them. I had to leave school early four days a week and usually, we'd have a game on Friday. It was worth it because my desire to play stood over all that. Also, it gave me access to coaching from people who had played in USports and at the professional level. I was really enthusiastic, and gratefully to have the opportunity to try out for St. Francis."

COVID-19 eliminated the spring football season this year and stifled his final season of high school football. But it didn't prevent him from continuing to participate in elite football training programs and from practicing informally with a few of his teammates on the Browns.

Actually, he started the additional training prior to the onset of the coronavirus.

"Another thing that really helped me along the process along with all these different teams, but training programs I've done in the last couple of years with various coaches who have played at the professional level have really been complementary. They helped me develop my skills so I could take it to the next level."

When training starts with the Dinos there will be many familiar faces on the field. He looks forward to reconnecting with past teammates who have also signed with the Dinos.

Currently, Mate is focusing on maintaining high academic standards in grade 12 at St. Timothy High School. He's currently narrowing down what he plans to study at the University of Calgary.