Ballenas Whalers’ leading receiver last season, Carter Brett, has committed to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds football team.
At six-foot-five, he was a tower of power on the football field for the Whalers, sparking the offence with impressive aerial catches that resulted in yardage gain and touchdowns.
Brett’s exploits on the field have not gone unnoticed. He had caught the eyes of university recruiters from the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, who both invited him to visit their campus and see for himself first hand their respective football facilities and also learn what they can offer academically.
In the end, Brett favoured the UBC Thunderbirds.
“It’s closer to home and my family,” said Brett. “It’s better for my education and it’s pretty much the same offer, scholarship wise.”
Brett is one the many products of the community football program, the Oceanside Lions. He has been playing football since he was 12 years old. Getting the opportunity to play at the university level is one of his dreams.
“It has been my main goal, inspiring to get to the next level,” said Brett. “It’s not something you can just walk to be on a team. It’s something you really have to work for. It’s probably the biggest accomplishment I have been able to have.”
READ MORE: Ballenas Whalers football star Dubesky to play for University of Toronto next season
Former Whalers head coach Dan Smith have watched Brett develop his game since joining the Ballenas varsity team. He said he is maturing into a self confident, determined young man with all the tools for success.
“Carter is a pure talent as a receiver,” said Smith, a former UBC Thunderbird quarterback. “He gained a lot of self-confidence in his abilities in his Grade 12 season. His stats were very good, and the type of catches he made were very impressive. It’s clear that the UBC coaches saw what could be in Carter. I believe once he gets into the UBC football culture and gets stronger, the sky is the limit for him.”
Brett started as a running back when he was just over five-foot-two. He also played soccer, which has helped his cardio and natural running abilities. But he shot up dramatically over the years and went on to become the Whalers’ receiver because of his height, strong sprinting abilities, and long wing-span that allows him to snag the football over the defence of many opposing teams.
“I really like the long-balls,” said Brett, who is thankful to all his coaches, parents and teachers for all their guidance and support. “I always like catching the ball.
Brett credited some of his Whaler teammates such as quarterback Brayden Jupe and lineman Will Dubesky for motivating him to be the best player he can become. Jupe has committed to York University Lions while Dubesky will join the University of Toronto Varsity Blues this coming September.
“They have all gone to higher things as well so it’s kind of someone to mould my game after and aspire to be better,” said Brett.
The Grade 12 player is excited to be joining the UBC Thunderbirds next school year. He plans to pursue a course in economics or political science.
“It’s a wonderful feeling having accomplished what I have been working for so, so long,” said Brett, who will train with the Thunderbirds this coming June.
Brett has no intentions of resting on his laurels. He plans to work even harder to improve his game and learn as much as he can.
“It’s hard to get a playing spot in my first year but I plan to keep my head down and work as hard as I can and then eventually as the years go on and progress, move on to a bigger role.”
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