Commits believe in SMU Huskies

Huskies add one out-of-province commit and one international commit to their 2019 class.

Quarterbacks Jakub Horáček from the Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada and Huzaifah Zee Rana from Ashbury College will be looking to stake their claim on the Saint Mary’s Huskies.

Jakub Horáček

Jakub Horáček is an epitome of dedication to the game. He started playing football at the age of 14 in Brno, Czech Republic. He also spent a season playing in Kansas as an exchange student. When he returned to Czech Republic, he joined the Prague Black Panthers (AFL/EFL/CEFL).

“I traveled 3.5 hours by bus there and back to each practice to be able to play for one of the Europe’s best,” Horáček said of his time with the Black Panthers. “Being from Europe, where football is not as big as overseas, I had to learn a majority of things for myself.”

He added that, “I have always dreamed of (having) a great and experienced coaching staff that I could learn and work with and really improve. I really believe SMU is the place to be.”

After playing on Team Europe, Horáček received a scholarship opportunity with the RICC Knights. He said that his RICC roommates, Matteo Viani and Otton Roca, will be joining the Huskies as well. “From all I have heard, they are building something great at SMU and I wanted to be part of it,” he added.

While with the Black Panthers, Horáček led his team to a national championship off an almost undefeated season. The team came up short, however, and lost the championship by a close score. In 2018, he participated in the NIKE Opening in Canton, Ohio. Standing at 6’1, 170lbs, he is interested in finance.

Before heading out east, Horáček said, “I would like to thank God for this journey and for surrounding me with my family, great teammates, coaches and friends.”

 

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???NEW SIGNEE ALERT ??? @headfbcoachsmu and SMU Football would like to introduce our newest member from our 2019 recruiting class @jakubhoracek_4 to the SMU family. “Jakub is the true definition of a dual-threat QB. He played at @riccfootball; who played one of the toughest high school schedules in Canada. Jakub is extremely intelligent and athletic. Coupled with his accuracy will make him a force in the AUS Conference. He will come in and learn the playbook which will only help in his development as a QB. Jakub will need to get stronger and understand the different types of coverage he will face on a weekly basis but I will be happy to see him progress in our systems and our team culture.” ? HC James Colzie III #ELEVATE19 #AGAINRICC

A post shared by Saint Mary’s Huskies Football (@smuhuskiesfootball) on May 4, 2019 at 2:32pm PDT

Huzaifah Zee Rana

For Huzaifah Zee Rana, becoming a Huskie made a lot of sense. “It was the best fit for me both academically and (for) football. They have a rich football history and it’s a place that I believe will help me get to the next level, which is playing pro,” Rana said.

“The coaching staff is absolutely amazing,” added the 6’2, 187lbs student-athlete. “Through calls on the phone and meeting with them in person, they are great people and they really want what is best for me. They are very outgoing, and I am looking forward to working with them in these next few years.”

Rana, who is from Ottawa, Ontario, is interested in taking international development studies.

In his 11-year career, Rana has played for the Orleans Bengals (NCAFA) and the Ashbury College Colts (NCSSAA). In grades nine and ten, he participated in the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge. He is a four-time offensive MVP. In 2018, he helped the Colts win the OFSAA Independent Bowl. He was also nominated for offensive MVP in Ottawa. (The results will be out on May 28).

“I am passionate quarterback who wants to play at the next level,” Rana said. “I am true leader and will do anything for my team to win. I’m just trying to follow the footsteps of my two uncles who played in the CFL, Obby Khan and Qasim Khan.”