The 51st State

Québec football might be the best-kept secret in North America. Québec is the largest province in Canada by area and the second most populous, trailing only Ontario. The province is a hotbed for football talent, with some of the top-tier players leaving Québec every year to play college football in the US. However, the question arises: why do only some get to leave to pursue their dreams south of the border? The answer to that question is fourfold:

1. Language barrier and location, particularly outside of Montréal.
2. Québec’s unconventional education system.
3. The differences in the Canadian game compared to American football.
4. Lack of coverage of Québec high school football by sports media outlets, which fails to showcase players' talent.

Québec occupies a unique place in Canada. The province's official language is French, setting it apart from others where English is predominantly spoken. While English is taught from an early age in Québec, not all high school students are fluent by graduation. This language barrier sometimes hinders talented Québec football players from understanding the requirements to play college football in the NCAA. This issue is less prevalent in Montréal, the province's largest metropolitan area, which boasts a diverse population fluent in both official languages as well as many foreign languages. Most of Québec's top football players come from the Greater Montréal Area, indicating a significant untapped market outside of the city. Notable players like Matthew Bergeron, who played college football at Syracuse University and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, didn't grow up in Montréal but excelled in football, showcasing the talent beyond the city limits.

The differences in Québec's education system further set it apart from others in North America. For instance:

• Québec high school education extends to the equivalent of grade 11.
• High school lasts five years, from grade 7 through 11, known as Secondary 1 through Secondary 5.
• Following high school, Québec students attend CEGEP, a two to three-year college, before university.
• Québec's educational standards are rigorous.

This unique system presents opportunities for both American prep schools and colleges. Québec student-athletes often leave the province to attend premier prep school programs in the US after grade 11, allowing them to acclimate to American football before pursuing NCAA programs. However, American college coaches should also recognize the talent within Québec's CEGEP football system. CEGEP players, aged 17 to 20, undergo rigorous training and academic schedules akin to university programs. Many successful players, such as Benjamin St-Juste, who currently plays for the Washington Commanders in the NFL, have emerged from Québec's CEGEP football leagues and gone on to excel in NCAA Division I programs.

Despite differences between Canadian and American football, such as field size and rule variations, Québec players adapt well to the American game. Notably, Québec plays 4-down football rather than the 3-down format seen in other Canadian provinces, providing players with more game time and development opportunities. Québec players have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest levels of American football, with successful transitions to NCAA programs.

In contrast to the comprehensive coverage of high school sports in the US, Canadian media outlets often neglect high school athletics. Québec's high school football lacks a substantial fan base and media attention, hindering the exposure of talented players. To address this gap, platforms like All Athletic (The Golden Tide) aim to showcase Québec's football talent to American coaches and recruiters, facilitating connections between players and NCAA programs.

In conclusion, Québec football remains a hidden gem in North America, but its potential is beginning to surface. We are poised to unveil this talent to a wider audience, bridging the gap between Québec players and NCAA opportunities.