By Europe’s Elite | Niklas Gattiker
Now it is true that some young athletes simply want to go to the US for a long vacation, so they can make cool social media post about their experience . But there are a few athletes that take full advantage of their high school football opportunity to display their athletic ability on American soil , Niklas Gattiker is one of those athletes . Gattiker is a class of 2022 offensive lineman from Finland that recently announced his commitment to play college football in Canada at the University of Concordia. Over the past few years young Gattiker has taken full advantage of his high school football experience . Gattiker earned all-state honors both while playing high school football at Rabun Gap in Georgia and Ashville High School in North Carolina. With his 6-foot-4 and 280 pond frame, Gattiker has the ideal size and strength to have a competitive career at the college football level.
What is your favorite football memory?
It would have to be when I was selected to play for the Finnish u17 national team. I made brothers there for life.
Why did you choose to play high school football in the states?
I just wanted to follow the dream many football players in Europe have. To play in America and try to get college offers
What is the greatest lesson you learned through your high school football experience?
I would say to always listen to your coaches because they are always right. They know a lot more about the game than you do so always listen to what they have to say.
What is your best talent that most people do not know about?
I’m actually good at soccer and hockey
What career would you follow outside of being a professional athlete?
I am going to study business, so definitely something related to that.
If you could meet and train with any football player in the world for 1 week who would it be and why?
Aaron Donald. No doubt. He is the greatest Lineman of all time and just him teaching me some drills about his explosiveness and quick hands would help me a lot on the Oline
Who is your favorite American football player that is from Europe?
Gonna have to be my guy Chris Mulumba
Advice you would like to give other international recruits about the college football recruiting process.
To play high school ball in the US. You will be playing at a good level and college coaches will be looking at you. You should also not be disappointed if you for example don’t start right away or you don’t get any offers at the beginning. You will have to earn those things.
Why did you commit to the University of Concordia?
I committed to Concordia because they seemed like the best fit for me. I had a lot of great opportunities in the US but I liked Concordia the most because of their program and coaching staff. I’d rather play for a team