The stroll to the field in Ann Arbor was almost eerie. 110,000 fans, all chanting in unison. An electrifying sensation that few could comprehend.
Some might be intimidated in such a setting. Peter Bourque, on the other hand, was thirsting for a chance to immerse himself in it. It is one of the many reasons why the Tabor Academy junior decided to make his commitment to the University of Michigan this past week.
“I knew I wanted to play Big 10 football on the biggest stage,” Bourque said. “Michigan? That’s an opportunity that’s very hard to turn down. Elite academics, and always one of the best football teams in the country that is always going to be battling for a National Championship. That was just something that I thought I couldn’t pass up on.”
A Hingham native and one of the top-ranked quarterback recruits in Massachusetts, Bourque began his high school career at Catholic Memorial. However, the rising star was determined to take the next leap. Looking to expand his recruitment pool, he opted to transfer to Tabor Academy when Seawolves coach Jeff Moore took over in Marion.
It didn’t take too long for Moore to realize that he and his staff had a special talent with Bourque joining the fold. During his sophomore campaign in 2024, Bourque propelled Tabor to new heights, as they dominated the Independent School League by capturing a NEPSAC Bowl title (a 48-20 win over Dexter Southfield last Nov. 16).
“He’s been great,” Moore said. “He’s a really good kid. He does all the right things on campus, and he’s a really good teammate. I think one of the biggest things is that he’s been a winner everywhere he’s been. So, we’re really excited. He played a pivotal role for us this year in winning a New England Championship. We have some pretty lofty goals ahead of us, but he’s done all the right things correctly to put us in the right position to get there.”
During the Seawolves’ journey to a title, Bourque passed for over 1,700 yards to go with 13 touchdowns in nine games. A dual threat, he also scampered for just over 300 yards and three more scores.
Prior to taking over as the offensive coordinator at Michigan last December, Chip Lindsey had spent the past few years at the University of North Carolina. His quarterback for much of that period? Current New England Patriots captain Drake Maye.
Much like Maye, Bourque views himself as a playmaker.
“I watch a lot of (Maye’s) stuff,” said Bourque. “We’re very similar. Big athletes who can throw the ball very well. He’s someone I model my game after, and Coach Lindsey did a great job of developing him at UNC.”
Fittingly, Lindsey reached out to Bourque over the winter, searching for his next talented project. Bourque had also started receiving calls from Big 10 rivals, including Penn State. He even fielded offers from UNC and Georgia.
Still, Michigan had always been on Bourque’s radar. He had already visited the campus last year during the Wolverines’ November game against top-ranked Oregon, and Lindsey helped him close his decision.
This past Thursday, the Tabor standout made his final choice, and called Lindsey to make it official.
Bourque may have his college destination solidified, but he still has two high school seasons remaining at Tabor. Moore plans to utilize him in even more ways.
“He’s done a really good job,” Moore said. “I think we’ve still got a lot left on the table, and he knows that too.”
For Bourque, the journey is truly just beginning.
“I’m super excited,” Bourque said. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was little to play at the highest level of college football.”
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