Buffalo bound?

CFC Top 100 quarterback gets NCAA Division 1 offer from Buffalo

What to do?

St. Andrew’s College Saints quarterback Chris Merchant is in the enviable position.  On Friday afternoon, the 6’2, 195 pound quarterback was given an offer by NCAA Division 1 (FBS) team, University of Buffalo Bulls.

Saints head coach Len Gurr is thrilled by the news as it puts the quarterback in elite company.

“As a football program, we are tremendously proud of Chris,” commented Gurr.  “For years, there has been a stigma that Canadian quarterbacks can’t compete at the NCAA D 1 level.”

“We’re thrilled that our program has helped Chris break down that stereotypical barrier. From the moment I first watched him on the practice field with Team Alberta, I knew he was capable of becoming the best quarterback in Canada. He simply needed a big stage to showcase his talent. Given his talent, intelligence, and passion, I have no doubt that he can compete and ultimately excel at the NCAA level.”

After a successful career in Alberta, Merchant moved to Ontario this season to play with the Saints, who compete in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA). The quarterback was named MVP of Team Ontario Selects at the 2013 Football University International Bowl in Austin, Texas.

In July 2012, the Canadian pivot represented his native province at the Football Canada Cup tournament in London, Ontario as a member of Team Alberta.  He led the team to a silver place finish at the tournament and also received Offensive MVP of the team’s opening game versus Team Nova Scotia.

chris merchant

Merchant began his career at the age of eight with the Calgary Wildcats football organization.  During his career, he has also suited up for the Calgary Falcons and high school team, Western Canada Redmen.

In his midget last spring, Chris put up impressive statistics on the field as he has 63 completions in 117 attempts, 1235 passing yards (average of 190 yards per game) and six passing touchdowns while rushing for 206 yards with 12 rushing touchdowns.

Among the honours Merchant has received during his gridiron career include Western Canada High School Male Athlete of the Year two consecutive times, Redmen junior team MVP in 2011 and Falcons midget team MVP in 2012.

Gurr said that Merchant’s talent and experience has netted him success.

“Chris is the epitome of the type of quarterback you want leading your program,” added Gurr.  “Simply put, he’s a gym rat, he lives and breathes football, he’s a perfectionist, a natural leader, and the smartest kid on the field.”

For the Saints football program, Merchant is another in a steady stream of players who has garnered attention south of the border.

“We’re quite proud of our program’s consistent ability to produce NCAA calibre athletes,” says Gurr.  “It’s a testament to the talent, character, and work ethic that defines St. Andrew’s students such as Chris.”

 

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)

 

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