Quebec linebacker Noah Gravel has just concluded his second and final year of high school with our neighbors to the south in the best possible way: by becoming a state champion.
Joined at Tennessee, the 18-year-old was still on cloud nine after he helped the Baylor Red Raiders win 38-34 over Montgomery Bell Academy. It was the club’s first title in 49 years.
“It’s incredible, I find it difficult to put words to express what I have been going through since I arrived here,” said the man who was one of his team’s captains in 2022.
This victory is the icing on the cake of a galvanizing experience in the United States. At 16, Gravel had decided to take the leap and leave family comfort to settle in a residence in order to live his passion for football.
“I chose to come to the United States for the life experience. I’m far from home, but I’m experiencing things that I could never have experienced in Quebec. I will remember all my life what I have experienced in the last two years and I will probably not stop talking to my children about it one day,” he said, laughing.
An example
Gravel is passionate about his sport and aims for the highest peaks. He is also inspired by his fellow Quebecers Benjamin St-Juste and Matthew Bergeron. The first plays for the Washington Commanders, while the second should be drafted into the NFL in 2023.
“Quebecers, we are starting to be recognized in the United States. We can play at the same level as the Americans.”
“It’s also important for me to be an example,” added Gravel. It is important for the next generation of Quebec footballers who want to make the leap to the United States. I want people to say that people back home are responsible and hard-working.”
In the NCAA
With this in mind, Gravel makes sure to succeed on the school benches as well as on the football field. The academic aspect is also very present in the decision he is about to make.
The one who grew up in Saint-Hubert, on the South Shore of Montreal, is about to choose where he will continue his career, he who will evolve in an American university next fall.
“I try to make the best decision for me. I speak with a lot of coaches. My goal is to go to Division 1 and also have a good academic program,” said the man who wants to study physiotherapy.
Currently, Gravel has one Division 1 offer and several Division 3 offers on the table.
“It’s important for me to choose an environment where I can feel at home, even when it’s not football season. Football is only four months in a year. It’s important to feel good where you live,” concluded the young man with maturity.
