Cobras Alumni Moortgat Turns Heads in East-West Cup

Cochrane Cobra alumni Kyle Moortgat had top receiving yards for the West in the 16th Annual East-West Cup, May 12, that showcased the top USports football prospects.

Slotback Moortgat racked up 52 yards on two receptions and brought further attention to his play in the heavily-scouted game of players heading into their CFL draft-eligible year.

He had the longest offensive play of the game with a 33-yard catch-and-run late in the third quarter.  On the team's next possession, Moortgat made a sliding catch near the sideline for a 19-yard gain.

The West rallied from a 12-0 deficit in the first quarter to win, 15-14.

For Moortgat, it was another step towards his aspirations to play professional ball. Every game is a learning experience and this game was particularly intense.

"It was a great experience," says Moorgat. "It was a high level of intensity from all the different players from all over the country and everyone brought competitiveness to the practices and to the game. Everyone wants to prove themselves for the scouts, so everyone was going 110 per cent all of the time."

Coming into his first of two draft-eligible seasons, he's hoping his play caught the eyes of some scouts, but right now he has some immediate goals to pursue.

"One of my goals is to be one of the top receivers not only in Canada West but also in the whole country. I really believe that after playing in the East-West and seeing the other competition throughout the league I believe I definitely have a shot at making my presence known throughout the league."

Rams offensive coordinator Mark McConkey has the same hopes for Moorgat. Reflecting on the spring camp, McConkey says he's convinced Moorgat is among the Rams about to bring their game to a whole new level.

Redshirting in his first season with the Rams helped Moortgat adjust to the faster, more intense university play and each year he's more comfortable and confident in his play.

"Over the last two years, I definitely feel way more comfortable in the positions and role I play for the team and getting used to the speed of the game and the intensity. I've really got the hang of it now and I'm just able to go out there do what I do best and just play football. I don't have to think as much as I use to, I can just out there and play."

2017 was a breakout year for the receiver, about to enter his fifth season with the Rams. After earning a starting position, Moortgat went on to finish third in receptions on the team, with 37 receptions and 408 receiving yards. Yet for those of us who have followed his career, it doesn't seem that long ago that the 6'0 slotback had his first reception at McMahon Stadium in October 2015 late in the game as a backup slotback and special teams player.

Moortgat is the first Cobra alumni to play in East-West Cup, says Cobras co-head coach Rob McNab.

Also on the 2018 Rams roster from the Cobras is wide receiver Adam Rask who started to see more game action last season. He got his first few start last season, oddly enough in another Dino-Rams matchup. Now entering his fourth year in the program (he redshirted in 2015), you can expect to see more of him this season.

The Rams are at McMahon to face the Calgary Dinos on Oct. 19.