Recruiting Roundup: UCLA Interested in QB Nathan Rourke

Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke is drawing interest from the UCLA Bruins, while Canadian defensive end Jonathan Kongbo has received another offer from a major Division-I program.

Although Oakville, ON native Nathan Rourke is yet to receive an FBS or FCS offer, schools such as Chattanooga, Eastern Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi State, Southern Miss and Troy all remain interested in the 6-foot-2 pivot.

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His recruitment process might heat up even more, though, as BruinReportOnline.com says the UCLA Bruins are on the verge of extending an offer to Rourke. A source familiar with the situation did confirm UCLA’s interest and also said an offer will likely be extended at some point.

UCLA has taken an interest in Canadian players recently, as Ottawa, ON native Eli Ankou currently plays for the Bruins, and 2016 kicker/punter JJ Molson (Montreal, QC) is committed to UCLA next year.

Aside from visiting the Alabama Crimson Tide six weeks ago, the news about a potential offer from UCLA is likely Rourke’s biggest accomplishment off the field this season.

On the field, though, Rourke has been sensational for Edgewood Academy (AL). Through nine games, Rourke has led the Wildcats to a 9-0 record, while consistently throwing for 400 plus yards, usually in three quarters of play.

With Rourke under centre, Edgewood has defeated teams by an average score of 58-8. With two weeks left in the regular season, Edgewood sits firmly atop the AISA Class-AA Alabama high school standings and should have a great shot at winning their sixth consecutive state championship.

Offers Continue to Pour in for Jonathan Kongbo

One of the hottest JUCO recruits right now is Arizona Western DE/OLB Jonathan Kongbo. Standing at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, the Surrey, BC native has received offers from blue-blood Division-I programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and most recently, Washington.

During high school, Kongbo didn’t play much football. In fact, he was actually an athlete who thrived in track, basketball and hockey. Kongbo didn’t play football until his senior season when his principal encouraged him to try out for the team.

Well, it’s safe to say that his principal made a good suggestion. While there is still lots of time left in his recruitment, Kongbo did visit Ole Miss this past weekend and said Rebels’ fans are “for real”.

He is also scheduled to visit Auburn on November 21 when the Tigers take on Idaho.

Hot Takes

– Minnesota RB Jonathan Femi-Cole (Vaughan, ON) had touching words for Gophers head coach Jerry Kill, who is stepping down due to health reasons.

Femi-Cole also volunteered for the Special Olympics of Minnesota last weekend. As Canadian hockey legend Don Cherry likes to say, he’s a “good ol’ Ontario boy” who gives back to the community.

– Kicker/punter JJ Molson (Montreal, QC) is excited for his upcoming visit to UCLA this weekend.

– St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Josh Palmer (Brampton, ON) scored his first touchdown for the Raiders in Week 8 when they beat Fort Lauderdale 41-13. Palmer finished the night with three receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Next: Matur Maker Highlights OSBA Preseason Tournament

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