FOLLOWING HIS FATHER AND BROTHER TO THE DINOS

University of Calgary Dinos offensive line coach Paul Carson did not have to look very far when it came to recruiting an outstanding offensive lineman prospect in 2020. All he had to do is look across the dinner table at his son, Sam.

Though Sam is a freshman on the team, he is very familiar with the Dinos football program! As a young boy Sam often made the trek from Kelowna to Calgary when his father assisted at various training camps as a guest coach. Sam helped equipment manager Johnny Carr with various jobs in addition to observing drills. He especially followed the linemen drills as his older brother, Matt, was a defensive lineman on the team from 2013 through 2018 and became a Toronto Argos CFL draft choice.

“I have lots of great memories when I came here when I was young,” stated Sam who always wanted to be a Dino. “It feels so normal being here,” he added.

When Sam’s family relocated to Calgary in 2014, Sam was around the team more as his father helped at various training camps. Paul had reservations about coaching his son at the U Sports level but Head Coach Wayne Harris convinced him to remain on staff. For the elder Carson 2021 marks his 17th year with the program. Paul began coaching in 1989, a year after his final year of eligibility and coached until 1999 before moving to Kelowna. He returned to the team in a coaching capacity in 2016.

“I did not plan on doing it (coaching Sam at the U Sports level), but it’s a thrill to see him play at this level,” states Paul, who was a Conference all-star and second team all-Canadian offensive guard in 1988.

“I treat him like any other player. He is probably tired of me yelling at him,” stated Paul who has four Vanier Cup rings, two as a player (1985 and 1988) and two as a coach (1995 and 2019). “We watch practice film at home, though sometimes I feel he does not want to,” added Paul who is also very active with the Dinos 5th Quarter Alumni. Talking football is nothing knew in the Carson house for Sam, it occurred when Matt was with the team.

Sam started playing youth football in Kelowna, but 2021 marks the first time he has been coached by his father. “I am treated like anyone else but it’s still a bit weird,” stated the 6’5”, 275 lbs. Sam who received both a Dinos 5th Quarter Scholarship and a Football Alberta Award to attend the U of C.

Sam joined the Dinos after an outstanding High School career at Henry Wise Wood High School in Calgary and the Wildcats program in the Calgary Minor Football Association. Despite missing his Grade 11 season with a broken ankle requiring surgery Sam had a fabulous senior season. He won the prestigious Harry Hood Award in 2019 that goes to the top graduating player with ability, community service, academics, and sportsmanship in Division I High School football. He also was one of two Calgary High School players that were selected to play in the Montana Shrine all-star high school game in 2020 but the game was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“Sam is one of those rare young linemen that has had quality gym time and he understands that the offensive line is a hard work position,” states U of C offensive coordinator Pat Sheahan. “He (Sam) has excellent skills for a player of his age and experience,” added Sheahan.

Having been around the program Sam knew what to expect both on the field and in the locker room. “I knew some of the older players through my brother and father. I also know what the expectations are here,” stated the 19-year-old Carson who is taking Economics courses in the Faculty of Arts.

Sam is excited playing for the team his father and brother played for. He wears number “60” the same number his father wore with pride for five seasons with the Scarlet & Gold. “That is the number I wanted and it will be so cool wearing it,” stated Sam. So far in 2021 Sam has played a starting role along the offensive as a pure freshman and will be in action when the Dinos host the University of Alberta on Sunday afternoon at McMahon Stadium at 2 PM.

Paul Carson explaining adjustments to Sam during a game with Aldo Laratta looking on.