WINNIPEG — Two seasons ago, University of Manitoba Bisons linebacker Bami Adewale was at the top of his game after leading the team in tackles the year prior, with 46. His performance during the 2013 season earned him an invite to the 2014 East-West Bowl, an event that brings together over 90 of the top CIS football players for a week of practices, evaluations, and an annual prospects game.
Then, just as Adewale’s preparations for the all-star showcase in Ontario had almost hit their peak, tragedy struck.
“It was during team workouts and I basically tore my Achilles, probably about a month or so before the East-West Bowl. Physically it was obviously painful and then mentally going through everything, I pretty much knew that my season was gone and my draft year,” Adewale said.
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“It was pretty much a ‘why me, why now’ sort of thing, but I just tried not to stay on the negative side of it.”
Despite the injury, Adewale continued to work hard, and after sitting out all of 2014, was able to get back on the field for spot-time last year.
“I kind of stayed with it. I got some good rehab and physio and worked with some people at Elite Performance to really help bring me back to where I need to be and I feel really confident right now in my game and physically where I’m at.”
Bison football head coach Brian Dobie knows the caliber of player Adewale is, and therefore his expectations are just as high for the well-round WILL/MAC linebacker.
“I think this is a big year for him, because last year was kind of a getting-back-at-it year, this year he should be back at full speed,” Dobie said.
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Nonetheless, Adewale is just happy to be back on the field at full speed, contributing with his teammates.
“I feel good, I feel in shape, I’ve worked really hard this off season, and yeah, I’m just really excited to start the season off.”
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