Rams commit to team: ‘I’m here to work hard’

Rams welcome a local commit to their team.

It is a dream that has long been nurtured, and now Cade South, a defensive lineman from Martin Collegiate, has turned it into reality after signing with the University of Regina Rams.

“Playing for the Rams has been a dream of mine for a long time,” South said. “Growing up, attending Rams camps in the summer and playing RMF fueled my goal of playing university football. When the U of R Rams gave me the chance to sign, I knew it was the right place for me.”

The road has not always been straightforward for South. “I am a pound Indigenous person from the Kamloops Indian Band and I have strived to overcome stereotypes. These stereotypes and the discrimination I have gone through motivates me to continually work hard to achieve great things,” South said.

No matter what he faced, South has always had a strong support network. “I am grateful to have a supportive family as well as many great coaches who have helped me along the way,” he said. “I’d like to acknowledge the help from my high school coaches and other former coaches who pushed me even after being cut in May from the Regina Thunder (CJFL).”

He added that his coaches pushed him “to never give up and work hard and (they) helped me get to the Kamloops Broncos (CJFL), who (then) helped me get better and got me to the opportunity to play with the Rams.”

South knows he will be in good hands with the Rams coaches. He said he is very excited to work with them and to compete and contribute as a member of the team. His mission is clear: “I’m here to work hard in the gym, on the field and in the classroom.”

South, who is 6’2, 250lbs, has been playing football for ten years. He started his career in Regina Minor Football. In high school he was a member of the Martin Monarchs (RIFL) and he played on the South Saskatchewan team in the Senior Bowl. While Regina, Saskatchewan, is his hometown, he soon moved to Kamloops, BC, to play with the Broncos.

In 2016, South won a special teams award and was a Monarch captain. He also helped the South Saskatchewan team win the Senior Bowl. When he joined the Broncos in 2018, South was a rookie starter. “I was invited to the team captains’ meeting, looked upon as a leader and after my second game as a Bronco I was brought to the starting lineup,” he said.

South will be bringing his strong work ethic and determination with him to the Rams locker room. “I am very excited to be a Ram,” he said, “and will continue to improve and develop as a player. Without hard work and dedication, I would not be where I am today.”

The UofR Rams welcomes Martin Monarchs and Kamloops Broncos DL, Cade South, to the family! pic.twitter.com/VqDdGZesKh

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) November 9, 2018