HUMBOLDT — Rudolph Osborne’s desire to improve on the gridiron has earned the Humboldt Collegiate Institute standout a chance to play at the next level.
The son of Ferdinand and Rene Osborne has signed with the Saskatoon Hilltops, who compete at the Canadian Junior Football League level. The Hilltops have won seven straight Prairie Football Conference titles and had claimed six consecutive Canadian Bowl national championships before falling in the semifinals last fall. HCI defensive co-ordinator Shaun Gardiner noted it is definitely an accomplishment for a player coming right out of the nine-man high school ranks to earn a spot on the perennial powerhouse. Osborne’s success was certainly earned.
“I was just so impressed with his abilities to learn quickly and contribute in many, many areas,” Gardiner said.
Osborne primarily played middle linebacker. He received the HCI Mohawks’ Defensive Player of the Year award for last season. He also contributed at tight end, punter, and was a kickoff specialist. Gardiner praised Osborne’s “way above average” speed, strong tackling technique and compete level.
“Probably his biggest strength was his dedication to the offseason – weightlifting, strength training, personal conditioning. … He was able to change his body from a strong kid into a really tough high school linebacker,” the coach said.
Now Osborne has the opportunity to play in the junior ranks. He said he is looking forward to “Being able to represent my hometown, being a part of a winning culture, and learning from the best coaches in the CJFL.” Regarding joining the Hilltops, he is excited to play close to his family and “be a part of a great Saskatchewan football team.” In addition to football, Osborne plans to pursue a commerce degree at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.
Growing up in South Africa, Osborne played rugby. His family moved to Canada in 2012. They live on a farm near Englefeld, the community in which Osborne attended grades four through nine. Osborne started playing football in Watson in Grade 8.
“What I enjoy most about football is being able to share the many highs and lows with my teammates and the memories we made along the way,” he said.
Osborne played two seasons in Watson before switching to HCI for grades 10 through 12. Of his time playing for the Mohawks, Osborne said:
“I had fun playing with my friends, being a leader for my younger teammates, and learning from and getting to know my fantastic coaching staff.”
During his time on the gridiron, he has had the backing of his family.
“They're very supportive, they come to all of my games, and they find the differences between football and rugby amusing,” Osborne said.
