Acadia Axemen brings in 12 commits

Acadia adds five provincial and seven out-of-province commits to their 2019 class.

It has been a productive off season for the Acadia Axemen thus far as the team is set to welcome 12 recruits to their football family.

Aidan O’Rourke (6’2, 285lbs) – an offensive lineman from Moncton High School (York, PEI)

“A provincial all-star offensive lineman, Aidan brings the grit and hardworking mentality that every OL unit needs,” said Jeff Cummins, the Axemen’s head coach.

Ethan Dunnett (6’4, 250lbs) – an offensive lineman from Moncton High School (Moncton, NB)

Another Moncton High product from Coach Allnach’s program, Ethan is yet another New Brunswick provincial all-star joining the Axemen,” Cummins said. “He has also played for U-18 Team New Brunswick. His versatility, and experience playing tight end, should serve him well early in his Acadia career.”

Cameron Wall (6’3, 210lbs) – a fullback from Moncton High School (Summerside, PEI)

“Another PEI product by way of Moncton High, Cam is an explosive young man who made plays in all phases of the game and was named a provincial all-star at defensive back.,” Cummins said. “We are going to use his athleticism and toughness on the offensive side of the football, and he has a chance to make an early impact there and on specials.”

Julien Poirier-McKiggan (5’10, 165lbs) – a defensive back from Citadel High School (Halifax, NS)

“A three-time provincial champion with the Citadel Phoenix, he made big plays versus the pass and run and was all over special teams. Julien was a member of U-18 Team Nova Scotia and a 2018 2nd Team CFC All-Canadian on defense, as well as a provincial all-star,” Cummins said. “He is a fundamentally sound, polished athlete and we could not be happier that he picked Acadia to continue his development.”

Ewan Mackeen (5’11, 175lbs) – a defensive back from Citadel High School (Halifax, NS)

“Another member of the Citadel defensive backfield (coached by Acadia alum Matt Wheeler), Ewan is one of the best open-field tacklers in the province,” Cummins said. “He was a provincial all-star, an impact player for U-18 Team Nova Scotia and his versatility and competitive nature should be immediate assets on special teams.”

Andre Hyslop (6’0, 190lbs) – a linebacker from École L’Odyssee High School (Moncton, NB)

“The man in the middle directing traffic for his high school, Ecole L’Odyssee, and a playmaker at Will for U-18 Team New Brunswick, Andre has enjoyed a ton of success at the linebacker position,” Cumminsa said. “We look for him to contribute early on specials and grow into that leadership role here too.”

Will Russell (6’2, 215lbs) – a defensive end from Kennebecasis Valley High School (Quispamsis, NB)

“Will was a disruptive force for U-18 Team New Brunswick and the defensive player of the year in the 10-man division of New Brunswick High School football. His frame, athleticism and hunger to be great are assets we are excited to add,” Cummins said. “He joins the tradition of Axemen defensive linemen and will look to make his own mark.”

Nick Pilichos (6’2, 270lbs) – an offensive lineman from Charles P. Allen High School (Bedford, NS)

“Nick comes to us from Charles P. Allen in Bedford, NS, and is an exciting young prospect on the line,” Cummins said. “We are thrilled to have Nick, a provincial all-star lineman and member of U-18 Team Nova Scotia, coming to Wolfville and cannot wait to see what the future holds for a player we feel is just starting to tap into his potential.”

Conor Jacobs (6’2, 170lbs) – a defensive back from Charles P. Allen High School (Hammonds Plains, NS)

“Conor is another provincial all-star defensive back and member of U-18 Team Nova Scotia. For his high school, Charles P. Allen, he was the lock-down corner who followed the opponent’s best player all over the field,” Cummins said. “We are excited he chose to bring his great length and outstanding knowledge of the game to Wolfville.”

Jacob Shannon (6’3, 225lbs) – a defensive end from CEC (Truro, NS)

“A versatile lineman who played U-18 Team Nova Scotia, Jacob has a very high ceiling,” Cummins said. “We are excited to see how he develops in our strength & conditioning program, with his frame and work ethic we think the sky is the limit.”

Emmanuel Beals (5’11, 180lbs) – a defensive back from Vanier College (Ajax, ON)

“Manny has suited up for the Toronto Thunder and Wyoming Seminary Prep, and most recently played for Vanier College in 2018. Manny is a versatile athlete who can line up anywhere in the defensive backfield and is a factor returning kicks,” Cummins said. “We are looking for Manny to contribute immediately, helping us to offset the number of defensive back veterans we graduated this year.”

Surya Ranganathan (5’11, 165lbs) – a defensive back from Rundle College (Calgary, AB)

“Surya joins us from Rundle College in Calgary where he played on both sides of the ball and showed solid ball skills and recognition,” Cummins said. “Here at Acadia he’ll be joining our DB corps and his work ethic and desire to improve will be definite assets.”