uOttawa picks up a pair of Québec commits.
Running back Jeremy Pryde and cornerback Jacob Bernett from John Abbott College may play of different sides of the ball, but the teammates will be continuing their football journey together after signing with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.
Jeremy Pryde
Understanding your place within a team’s structure is important for any athlete. Jeremy Pryde said he chose uOttawa because it has “a football team that I felt I would fit quite well with and I heard good things about the program from previous teammates. Coach Carl Tolmie is the one who explained the offensive scheme, which helped me understand how I would fit in.”
Pryde was also drawn to the nation’s capital because of the student life, the campus environment, and the programs that the university offers. He said he is interested in completing a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Management. He also wants to tack on a Law certificate as well.
The John Abbott Islander (RSEQ Division 2) was also impressed with the coaching staff. He said it all starts with the head coach and Head Coach Barresi has an impressive resume. Pryde, who is 6’0, 200lbs, calls St- Lazare, Québec, which is south-west of Montréal, his hometown.
Prior to his three years with the Islanders, Pryde suited up for Les Voltigeurs du Collège Bourget (RSEQ) for four years. In his final year with Les Voltigeurs, he was named offensive MVP. At John Abbott College, he has been given two RSEQ academic excellence awards. He has also won two provincial championships and interprovincial championships in his last two years with the Islanders.
Jacob Bernett
Jacob Bernett signs his LOI. Courtesy of Nathan Taylor.
Jacob Bernett is on a mission. His last provincial championship was in 2011 with the North Shore Lions (North Shore Football League). Now, he will be looking claim another championship with the Gee-Gees. “The coaching staff was very inviting and helpful with anything I needed in terms of academics. From a football aspect, they seem to have the necessary tools to better my play and win a championship,” he said.
Bernett, who is interested in Human Kinetics, was also drawn to uOttawa because of the school’s campus, facilities and from his meetings with some of the team. The 5’9, 165lbs product of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec, which is outside Montréal has played the sport for 12 years. He has suited up for West Park, the North Shore Cheetahs (NSFL), the North Shore Mustangs (NSFL) and the John Abbott College Islanders.
In 2007, he won a provincial championship with West Park. In 2013, he was named as the Mustangs top rookie defensive player. In 2014, he was the Mustangs’ team MVP.
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