Player's football skills lands Cobras $3,000

The football prowess of Cochrane High football player Jesse Groot has earned the school's football program a $3,000 contribution for equipment.

On Sunday, the linebacker was featured as NFL Canada Way to Play Winner of the Week in a TSN segment before the afternoon NFL games got underway.

Groot was informed a few days in advance of his selection by Cobras defensive coordinator Tom Knitter.

"It was very much a shock. Super happy, but it was very much a shock," says Groot.

"Without the training I've gotten from the Cobras and Football Alberta, it wouldn't have happened. I have to thank the coaches that taught me."

"I'm very glad to help out with the football team any way I can, and I'm super happy about it."

Cobras defensive coordinator Tom Knitter says the recognition is well deserved.

"It's a great incentive by Football Canada and NFL Canada. Jesse is one of those guys who comes to school every day and does his job and the little things right, and it's great to see him rewarded for doing that."

The nomination was the result of a Hudl clip capturing Groot making a perfect tackle against a Bert Church Charger in the season home opener.

Hudl captures and analyzes video and data of 200,000 teams in 40 sports.

"I think it's pretty cool that he was recognized," says Knitter.

In September, Groot signed with the UAlberta Golden Bears. In the summer he helped Team Alberta win bronze in the Football Canada Cup.

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