British Columbia recruit makes X-Men landing (VIDEO)

Namaimo defensive back joins AUS team’s 2016 class.

StFX X-Men have announced the addition of ColeVirtanen to their football program.

Virtanen, the 5’9, 195 pound defensive back from Nanaimo, British Columbia, will join the team for the 2016 AUS season.

“We have had our eye on Cole for well over a year now,” commented X-Men Head Coach Gary Waterman.  “His competitive spirit and toughness jumps out at you on film.”

“We are very excited to have him join the X-Men family.”

This past season, Virtanen was named British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) Rookie of the Year and Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) Rookie of the Year for his play with the Vancouver Island Raiders. Additionally, he was named Raiders Rookie of the Year.

Previous to the Raiders, the defensive back helped the John Barsby Bulldogs win three British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHFSA) Provincial ‘AA’ Championships. He has also been named ‘AA’ Defensive MVP and Championship Game MVP.

“We are really excited to have a player of Cole’s caliber joining our team,” added X-Men Offensive Line Coach Dave Van Den Heuvel.  “He’s a physical, play making defensive back with a knack for being around the football.”

Ultimately, there were multiple reasons Virtanen opted for the X-Men.

“The school is absolutely amazing; not only the academics but the feel of the campus it’s just like home,” explained the British Columbia standout.  “When I visited last year I knew that’s where I wanted to be.”

Overall, the X-Men are thrilled of their addition and are looking forward to having him as part of the fold.

“Cole is a very instinctual football player, he makes plays all over the field,” assessed X-Men Offensive Coordinator Steve Snyder.  “It’s a great feeling for us to have Cole committed to StFX.”

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