SS Carteri: “Football isn’t a sport, it’s a passion”

Mateo Carteri has been playing football for 10 years and he loves his position because he can “make big hits and big plays.” He possesses one character trait that gives him an advantage over his opponents.

“What gives me an edge as a football player is my mentality of wanting to win each down and perform my best each play,” Mateo said.

He has suited up for the Burnaby Lions and St. Thomas More Knights during his career. Mateo has won some awards as well: Most Valuable Defensive Player in Grade 6 for his community team and two coaches awards for his high school team.

There was one event that really stood out to him.

“One of my most memorable football experiences to date is winning provincials,” he said.

In terms of professional players who influenced him, the late Sean Taylor is at the top of the list.

“I model my game after Sean Taylor because of his ability to be able to cover and make big hits, as well his high football IQ,” Mateo said.

As for the next level of football, he doesn’t “have any particular school in mind,” but he knows that he wants to major in Kinesiology and “become a physiotherapist.”

Mateo believes that his “determination and will to get better” will help him adjust to post-secondary football. He has also been focused on improving his game during the off-season.

“I’ve been working out a lot, getting my max bench now to 225 lbs,” he said. “I also run hills and work on my footwork.”

For Mateo, “football isn’t a sport, it’s a passion.”

Mateo Carteri (#31)
SS/RB
5’9, 170lbs

Teams: Burnaby Lions, St. Thomas More Knights
Commitment: None
Official Visits: None
Considerations: Open
Class: 2018