‘Ready for a culture shock’: U.S. players enjoying time with Saskatoon Hilltops

WATCH: The Saskatoon Hilltops will enter the playoffs this weekend with a few players from unlikely places. Matt Young has more.

When he came to Saskatoon from Minnesota, David Collins says he noticed something.

“I didn’t know they took football in Canada so seriously. I knew they played ball. I knew they had their own professional league. But I didn’t know it was as big as it was.”

But the running back from Minneapolis is sure making his presence felt and enjoying the experience at the same time.

It’s not often you see recruits from south of the border join the junior or college football ranks in Saskatchewan. So how does a player who was a redshirt in NCAA Division II, and then on the roster of Central Lakes College, make his way to Saskatoon?

“I just really don’t think I was looking in the States. I mean, I think I was ready for something completely different. I was ready for a culture shock,” Collins said right before practice Tuesday night as the team prepares to face Winnipeg in the playoffs.

And like many in the football community, he had a connection.

Collins came on the recommendation of David Boyd Jr., also from Minnesota, who spent time with the Regina Thunder last season.

Eventually, Collins got connected with head coach Tom Sargeant, who wanted to see some highlight tape.

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“Right away I said, ‘Hey, I could use some of that here.’ So then me and David Collins started talking and then somehow, some way, we got him here, and now he’s a 1,000-yard rusher with the Saskatoon Hilltops,” Sargeant said.

Sargeant says they found a place for him to stay and got him involved in helping coach a little high school football.

Now he is scoring touchdowns and embracing the larger Canadian field.

“I like the longer field personally because not only does it give you a better chance to get more yards, but with the space on the field you get a lot more plays that you can run,” Collins said.

When asked about the difference in competition and culture between his time down south and his experience in Saskatoon, Collins had praise for many of the local athletes.

“There’s a lot of athletes that I would say could play in the NCAA Division II level.”

Though it took a little time to get used to some of the nuances of the Canadian game.

“The downs and stuff and the rules, I feel the rules would throw a lot of people off. Like, I’m still getting thrown off by it now.”

Boyd Jr. says he feels athletes on the gridiron in Canada have more talent than many realize.

“Personally, I think Canadian football is a little overlooked. I feel like it definitely keeps up with football back home.”

The Hilltops have three imports on the roster this season, including Collins, Boyd Jr., and Isaiah Vallderruten, who hails from Elizabeth, N.J.

Sargeant says he’s noticed other programs expanding their recruitment efforts.

“Every day I’m getting three to eight responses from people. I’m doing a Zoom tomorrow with someone from Germany. So, you know, there are some realities here. It’s a global game and the CJFL is out there and known for, and a lot of people want to come play.”

But don’t expect a global takeover. Sargeant says Saskatchewan athletes will always be the backbone of the Saskatoon Hilltops.

“Championships or games or whatever, the heart and soul of this team will always be the Saskatchewan athlete. That’s it, that’s all.”

The Saskatoon Hilltops will be back on the field this Sunday for the Prairie Football Conference semi-final against the Winnipeg Rifles.