RB Bookland fuelled by family and culture

Born in Georgia, Wesley Bookland first played football as a child in Connecticut for the Colchester Cougars, earning honours such as Most Valuable Player during his three-year tenure with the team. At such a young age, Bookland’s time was split up between multiple activities besides football such as wrestling. He eventually stopped playing the game until moving to Canada at the age of 16 as a way of creating a future for himself and connecting with his southern birth.

“I chose football because being born in Marietta, Georgia and having those southern roots made me feel a connection with the sport,” he explained. “As well as my family in the U.S. who have such a high interest in football.”

Taking the field as a running back, linebacker and return specialist, Bookland now plays for the Parkland Panthers in Spruce Grove, Alberta and is going to be graduating high school in 2017. Bookland is currently going through the recruitment process. With such an extensive resume, there are a number of schools that are vying for the athlete’s talents. It will not be an easy decision as both CIS and NCAA school have expressed interest him. Being born and raised in Georgia until the age of 13 and with family living there, Bookland has a special interest in playing in the southern United States.

“I would consider any CIS school, but I am really looking forward to playing at a NCAA school preferably in the south,” he said of his football future. “However at this point I have not shut any doors and would consider any school that will help me be the best.”

While the no doors have been closed, Bookland did attend a spring camp at Simon Fraser University in B.C. and came away extremely impressed by the experience.

“I really enjoyed the spring camp as well as well as the energy the coaches had to offer so right now I would say they are at the top of my list,” he said.

After a few years away from football one might think that Bookland is behind a step going into the recruitment process; he is anything but. Going into his senior season with the Panthers he is aiming at even loftier goals with the help of his training staff.

“I have one of the smartest strength coaches in Canada and helps me tremendously in every aspect of my life.”

Wesley Bookland
RB, LB
5’8, 170 lbs

Teams: Parkland Panthers (high school: ASAA)
Commitment: None
Official Visits: Simon Fraser
Considerations: Simon Fraser, Open
Class: 2017

 

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