Another of Cochrane's talented football players have signed with the University of Calgary Dinos.

Jackson McLean will be wearing the red and gold when he enters CIS football this fall after stellar performances with Cochrane Lions minor teams and three high school championship seasons with the Cochrane Cobras.

McLean takes pride in being able to continue his football career with the Dinos after playing for Cochrane football teams since atoms.

"It was pretty clear-cut," says McLean. "I always knew that I wanted to go to the U of C and when I got the offer after visiting their school I knew that I wanted to sign with them. It's a really great experience and I know that I'm going to love it there, just the school and everything. I'm just ready to continue through the U of C."

He won't be going into the dressing room as a complete stranger. They'll be many familiar faces from the Cobras and even his bantam years.

"I know I'll be walking in with a group of guys that are already pretty welcoming of myself."

He'll continue to focus on his grade 12 studies at Cochrane High and says school always comes first. Still, he continues to train daily in preparation for what he knows will be a much more intense, higher level of the sport.

McLean expects to be starting in a defensive position for the club.

"The message I got from the team is I'll be looking at playing a defensive role to start off as most new players do. I'm willing to take any position that they need. I'm flexible and I've played almost every position on the field before."

The Dinos spring camp is in April and the CIS regular season starts in August.

Jackson's father, Paul McLean, has long been involved with Cochrane football, particularly with the Cochrane Lions, and was one of the architects of the multisport Spray Lake Sawmills Legacy Field.

"It’s a big day for Jackson and our family," says Paul. "We are very proud of his accomplishments and hard work."

Several Cobra alumni are playing CIS football, from Eastern to Western teams, predominantly the Dinos and Regina Rams.

Graduating players from the 2017 Cobras include Jack Tocher, who has signed with the Guelph Gryphons.