After 39 college offers, a rising football star from Gatineau is taking the next step

Olivier Duhaime is making an emotional journey from the hospital to the starting line at Ottawa Race Weekend. CTV’s Leah Larocque reports.

After receiving more than three dozen offers from different colleges, a 17-year-old rising football star from Gatineau is preparing for the next step.

Sidney Rouleau’s talents are in demand.

The six-foot-seven-and-a-half inch (around 2.01 metres), 270-pound (approximately 122 kilograms) teen’s strength, abilities, and love of football is leading to many choices.

“It was pretty hard. So I had to come with a plan, for sure. Like a top ten, top eight, top five,” Rouleau told CTV News Ottawa.

After receiving 39 offers, Rouleau made his pick and plans to attend school and play at the University of Michigan starting in January 2027.

“They checked all my boxes for sure. They just seemed to care for me and all that, which is like, a school that made me feel like I was something special for them.”

He’s committed to play on Wolverine’s offensive line as a left tackle and plans to sign in December.

On Thursday, he was visited in Ottawa by Michigan’s offensive line coach, Jim Harding.

“I think Coach Harding sees a lot of development, for sure. He likes where I am,” Rouleau says Rouleau. “I’m a disciplined kid, work hard.”

Rouleau’s dreams, are as big as he is.

“Hopefully NFL – for sure,” Rouleau says.

Rouleau parents are proud, and excited.

“A lot of stress taken off, too, now that Sid is committed,” says Tanya Tremblay, Sidney’s mother.

“So, we can really concentrate on one thing, you know, and it’s getting better. Getting to where he wants to be.”

Tony Greco, Rouleau’s long-term fitness instructor, is also proud of the achievement.

“I think it’s amazing. Obviously, for Sid and the football culture here in Ottawa, they give young kids the fact that, hey, look, if you dream something, you could achieve it,” Greco said.

Rouleau is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.

“Go Blue!” he says.

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