GUELPH, Ont. – The Guelph Gryphons football team announced today their offensive recruiting class for next season, which includes a total of 14 players.
āIām very proud of the young group of student-athletes joining the Gryphons on offence,ā said offensive coordinator Todd Galloway. āWe believe this group can have an immediate impact on the offence and the team as a whole.ā
With a number of potential returning offensive starters, the Gryphons recruited to fit their immediate needs.
āWe added some quality depth at the running back positions and continued to bolster our offensive line. At the receiver spot, with the departure of two fifth years, the new recruits will look to compete with the developing players in the program for a chance to play.ā
Below is a player-by-player look at the Guelph Gryphons newest group of offensive football recruits, sorted by position then in alphabetical order with player’s bio.
Athletes who commit to any Guelph Gryphon team will be eligible to compete provided they are academically admissible to the University of Guelph.
Name: Johnny Augustine
Hometown: Welland, Ont.
High School: Notre Dame College
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 5ā9ā / 200 pounds
Johnny began his football career with the Jupiter Warriors in Florida. When he moved to Ontario, he played summer football for the OVFL Niagara Spears. Johnny was also team Rookie of the Year for Notre Dame Irish College. He represented Team Ontario West at the 2010 Football Canada Cup. Johnny has also been named a GHR All-Star. Amongst his many football achievements, Johnny is also a track star as he was the zone 100 metre dash champion.
Name: Bryson Dobush
Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
High School: Bev Facey Composite High School
Program: Bachelor of Engineering
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 6ā0ā 190 pounds
Bryson comes to Guelph from Sherwood Park, Alta. He has had tremendous success as a running back in Alberta. He has played for 11 years and amassed numerous awards over that time. He was the two time Team MVP at his High School Bev Facey. This season he broke the single season scoring record with 33 TDās. He was also a two year starter for Team Alberta in the Canada Cup in 2011 and 2012 and a team captain this past summer. Bryson brings a combination of skill, speed, vision and toughness that will help him compete early.
Name: Mason Swift
Hometown: Sooke, BC
High School: Mt. Douglas High School
Program: Honours Bachelor of Arts
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 6ā0ā 215 pounds
Mason graduates from Mt. Douglas High School as a two time Triple AAA Senior Champion in 2011 and 2012. Mason has also been a part of Team BC which travelled to Texas this past January where they beat Team Europe and Team USA. Mason brings an element of toughness, speed, agility, and intensity to the football field. One of the main reasons for his decision to attend Guelph is to fulfill his dream of turning professional and being coached by CFL great and Gryphon running backs coach Neil Lumsden. Moving across the country was a tough decision for Mason but the family environment on the team made the decision easier.
Name: Eric Denis
Hometown: Welland, Ont.
High School: Notre Dame High School
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Offensive Line
HT/WT: 6ā2ā 295 pounds
Eric will join the offensive line upfront to protect quarterback Jazz Lindsey and the stable of running backs. Eric has been selected to the GHR Rising Stars team, Team Ontario West 2012, and Team Ontario Selects 2013 Under 19 team that travelled to Austin, Texas to play Team USA. Eric played his summer football career with the Niagara Spears. He will join childhood friend and Gryphon teammate Johnny Augustine.
Name: Tyler Iveson
Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.
High School: Forest Heights Collegiate Institute
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Offensive Line
HT/WT: 6ā4ā 270 pounds
Tyler played summer football for the Kitchener Waterloo Panthers. He also played basketball for his Forest Heights High School where they won the 2010-2011 WCSSAA. In Tylerās first senior year he was named the teamās Top Rookie as a tight end. Tyler intends to study Criminal Justice and Public Policy while at the University of Guelph.
Name: Alec Reid
Hometown: Ennismore, Ont.
High School: Adam Scott CVI
Program: Bachelor of Science
Position: Quarterback
HT/WT: 6ā5ā 220 pounds
Alec comes to Guelph From Adam Scott High School in Peterborough, Ont., but his hometown is Ennismore, Ont. Alec is a great student looking to study Physics at the University of Guelph.Ā He is a big tall presence in the pocket which allows him to see the field and make every throw.Ā His arm strength is an asset as well. Alec has enjoyed success in the COSSA region helping his team to be three time champions. He was also a part of the Oshawa Hawkeyes of the OVFL.
Name: Lucas Spagnuolo
Hometown: Grimsby, Ont.
High School: Grimsby High School
Burlington Braves, transfer from University of British Columbia,
Program: Applied Science
Position: Quarterback
HT/WT: 6ā0ā 180 pounds
2010 Team Ontario West member, Lucas returns closer to home after spending his rookie year playing for the University of British Columbia. The native of Grimsby, Ont. is a dual threat on the football field with both his arm and legs. Last year when put into the game he showcased his athleticism at quarterback when he rushed two separate times on his first drive; one for an 18 yard gain and another on a 21 yard touchdown run. Lucas cannot wait to play in front of family and friends.
Name: Curtis DāHollander
Hometown: London, Ont.
High School: Catholic Central High School
Program: Bachelor of Applied Science, Applied Human Nutrition
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 6ā1ā 176 pounds
Curtis is product out of London. He has speed mixed with athleticism that will transfer to his game. Curtis is a multi-sport athlete where he competed on his high schoolās basketball team and is also a track and field standout. Curtis chose Guelph to get a great education and contribute to the football program.
Name: Johnny Franklin
Hometown: West Vancouver, BC
High School: West Vancouver Secondary
Program: Honours Arts, Geography
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 5ā11ā 175 pounds
Johnny will make the trip from Vancouver to Guelph to start his academic and athletic career as a Gryphon. He is enthusiastic about spending his University career in Ontario and growing up in a different part of Canada. Johnny is a versatile player who was asked to play quarterback for his West Vancouver high school. John put on one of the most spectacular performances ever seen in Vancouver football. He threw six touchdowns and rushed for two during a regular season game that put his team into the playoffs. He also threw for 317 yards that game.
Name: Darren Ivey
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.
High School: St. Thomas Moore High School,
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 5ā10ā 160 pounds
Darren was one of the fastest football players in Hamilton in 2012. He played summer football for the Steel City Steelers where he excelled at running back and receiver. His explosive speed will translate well on the football field. His connection with the coaches also drove him to Guelph. Darren definitely believes he āwill excel with all the academic support offered to student-athletes.ā
Name: Sean McGonigal
Hometown; Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
High School: Superior Heights
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 6ā4ā 180 pounds
Sean is another great product out the Sault Saint Marie, Ont. area coming to Guelph.Ā He is has had great careers with both Superior Heights and the Sault Sabercats of the OVFL including be OFSSA Northern Bowl Champions in 2011. He is a smooth runner and has really sure hands.Ā His height also allows him to create mismatch problems with defenders.
Name: Thomas Stawiarski
Hometown: Ancaster, Ont.
High School: Bishop Tonnos High School
Program: Honours Bachelor of Arts
Receiver 5ā11ā 195 pounds
Thomas is a native of Ancaster, Ont. He was named Bishop Tonnosā Team MVP in 2009 and led the Hamilton Catholic High School Football League in punt and kick return yards in 2010 and 2011.
Name: Derek Pisani
Hometown: Newmarket, Ont.
High School: Huron Heights Secondary School
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 6ā1ā 195 pounds
Derek comes to Guelph as a 2011 Under 17 Team Ontario East running back. He was a team captain of the powerhouse Huron Heights Secondary School which was 2012 Metro Bowl Champions. Derek is a versatile player who will join the recruit class of running backs.
Name: Jacob Scarfone,
Hometown: London, Ont.
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas
Position: Kicker
HT/WT: Ā 6ā1ā 175 pounds
Jacob played both as his high school teamās kicker, defensive back, and receiver. His big leg helped STA win the City Final in 2012. Jacob will join high school teammate and Gryphon commit Derek Drouillard. He has the talent of all three phases of kicking which will aid the team in the next coming years. Jacob is excited to begin his academic and athletic career at UofG. He looks forward to joining the Gryphon football family and contributing to the teamās future success. Jacob will benefit from being coached by CFL great Hank Ilesic, who believes Jacob can become a Gryphon great.
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