[EN IMAGES] NCAA Football: Alabama’s direction for Quebec candidate Steve Pierre-Polo-Mpoumwa

Steve Polo-Mbomwa has written a page in Quebec football history by joining the prestigious Alabama Crimson Tide program.

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Surrounded by his family, his college and school coaches, the faculty of Montignac High School in Lac-Mégantic and his teammates, the CNDF defensive end confirmed his selection Wednesday afternoon, marking the NCAA’s first signing window.

After receiving about two dozen offers from some of America’s top programs, Mbomwa finally chose between Alabama, Mississippi State Bulldogs and Florida Gators.

Photo by Stevens LeBlanc

“It’s a dream come true,” the 6-foot-4, 275-pound man said from the start after signing the documents confirming his selection. It takes the weight off my shoulders. I thank God for giving me this opportunity. It is a great pride and honor to be the first Quebecer to sign at Alabama, and it shows young people that it is possible to have access to the best programs. You have to work and believe in it. “Going to Alabama is no added pressure because I have worked for this opportunity my whole life.”

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“special day”

Jean Guillaume, an advisor to players who aspire to play in the NCAA, was thrilled. “It’s a special day for Quebec,” declared the former color bearer of the Université de Montréal Carabins and the Vanier Cheetahs. This is the first time a Quebecer has signed with Alabama. Steve will pave the way for others. The land of Quebec is very fertile.

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“The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a league in itself and it’s another world,” Guillaume added. Steve enters this world through the front door. There is a bias against the Canadians because we play with 12 players and the field is bigger, but I tell American coaches that our style of soccer is more demanding.

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“everything is possible”

Marc-Andre Dion agrees. “Steve signing with Alabama shows anything is possible when you’re on a mission,” the CNDF coach said. We have a goal of getting players to the NCAA and we reached the top in our first year. “It’s absolutely phenomenal and a huge win for our program.”

“The guys from west Montreal now know who the CNDF is because they know Steve’s story,” Dion continued. Steve contributed to this.

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Despite interest from several top programs, the Cameroonian native, who moved to Quebec at the age of 12, was quickly fascinated by the Crimson Tide. “I wanted to play with the best to become the best and that’s why I chose Alabama. Coach Shaaban [Nick] He attaches great importance to family and this is a very important aspect for me. When I saw this at camp this summer, I didn’t need to make any more visits without disrespecting other programs. My idea was invented and that’s why I made a verbal commitment.

Present at the Rose Bowl

Mbomwa has no plans to change the recipe. He will join his new team on December 26 in California in preparation for the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines that will be played on December 1.^any January, which will be played at the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium.

“I’m going to stay authentic, stay myself and let my actions speak. My goal is to compete in my senior season. For players in my position, Alabama is a good path to the NFL.”

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Dionne is convinced the defensive end has the attitude to make his place on one of the most prestigious teams in the NCAA. “In addition to his physicality, Steve is aggressive, he’s hungry and he wants to be the best. Steve is going to have ups and downs and it’s going to be very difficult because you belong to them when you sign at Alabama. They push you until you break, but Steve won’t break. His attitude and mental strength will allow him not to break.” Refraction.

As for the NFL, Dionne had a message for his protégé. “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C is Alabama. He has to accept the training and persevere through the tryouts. I’m not saying he’s going to make it to the NFL so I’m not putting pressure on him, but I hope so.”

Photo by Stevens LeBlanc