Gee-Gees CB commit to get bigger, faster for U Sports

The Gee-Gees recruit a local talent to their Class of 2017.

There are certain advantages to having access to hometown university teams and Emmanuel Aboagye-Gyan, a cornerback from St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School, took advantage of getting to know his new team, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, a bit better before committing.

Haling from Ottawa, Ontario, Aboagye-Gyan has been to his fair share of Gee-Gees games and practices. “I was able to see how the coaches are able to switch from being serious and knowing when things need to get done to being very chill and like one of your teammates that you have that connection with very smoothly,” he said.

“I had a really good connection and relationship with the coaches from the start, more than any other coaches and recruiters from other schools around the league,” Aboagye-Gyan added. “All of the coaches have a great resume of experience…so they really know what they’re doing and talking about.”

The potential human kinetics student was also drawn to the Gee-Gees because of their proximity to his home and the aura surrounding the team. “I really liked the atmosphere there from the start. It was always energetic and you can sense the close, family bond with everyone,” Aboagye-Gyan said.

Standing at 6’1, 185lbs, he only began playing football some four years ago when he started high school. He has played two OVFL seasons with the Cumberland Panthers. In his first season, he started every game and had five interceptions and five batted balls. His stellar play earned him the rookie of the year award. In his one NCAFA season with the Ottawa South Gloucester Raiders, he also started every game.

While with the St. Francis Xavier Coyotes (National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association), Aboagye-Gyan started every game in his four years there. This past season, he was a captain on the team. He is a two-time all-star and was awarded for his outstanding defensive performance.

Aboagye-Gyan said he considers himself a lockdown corner who is able to make good plays on the ball on both short coverage and down-field coverage. “But, I know going into U Sports is completely different and new. So, I’m ready to put an enormous amount of work into learning, growing, getting bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, everything to succeed,” he said.

“I’m ready to come in and fight for a spot and make my way up to help the team,” he added.

While Aboagye-Gyan is determined to further improve, he still has come a far way in four years. “None of this would be possible without the help and support of my parents, friends, family and coaches,” he said.
“Everyone who has been there throughout the years and all the teammates and coaches who’ve taught me, been there for and with me and made me into the player I am today, thank you to all of them.”