JUCO & Ottawa invasion

JUCO & Ontario recruits join AUS team’s 2014 class.

The newest recruits to join the Acadia Axemen come from Ontario as well as south of the border.

Matt Cook, Brian Doyle, Matt Knotts and Javon Smith have committed to the AUS team for the 2014 season.

BRIAN DOYLE:

While the 5’11, 225 pound linebacker from Syracuse, New York was in a waiting pattern for an NCAA Division 1 offer, the Axemen expressed their interest in him. The Axemen’s persistence paid off.

“I originally was contacted by Acadia’s coaching staff while I was playing JUCO football in Buffalo, New York and at the time I was still waiting on some Division 1 school that said they were interested,” recalled Doyle.  “After I realized I wasn’t going to receive any full scholarship offers from the big programs, I decided to transfer to a school close to home and play after a season of that I realized it wasn’t the place for me.”

“I contacted Acadia via email and they called me within a few hours.  Coach Pete (Fraser) told me about the school and had me committed within a week.”

While Doyle has to sit out a season due to CIS transfer rules, he is thrilled to be joining the Axemen and will strive to achieve his future gridiron goals.

“I can’t be happier with my choice,” expressed the New York linebacker.  “Coach Jeff Cummins has been more than helpful to me and has made the transition of coming to another country much easier.”

“Our Defensive Coordinator Coach Shad (McLaughlin) has great knowledge of the game and I’m excited at what we have here and am looking forward to competing for a Vanier Cup this season.  I’m thankful God has put me in the best place possible for me to be successful and if it’s his will, hopefully to the CFL.”

Doyle had some advice he wanted to impart to future recruits.

“I would encourage any athlete American or Canadian to look at Acadia if they have aspirations of playing at the CIS level,” offered the defensive standout.

Recently, Doyle played a stint with National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA or JUCO) team Erie Community College Kats.  During his time with the Kats, he registered 74 tackles (including seven for a loss) as a sophomore.  For his exceptional play on the field, Doyle was selected to the All-North Eastern Conference to go along with his 2011 Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

“We are excited to have Brian as a member of the Axemen family,” commented Axemen Head Coach Jeff Cummins.  “Brian possesses the skill set and the football know how to be a force at the inside linebacker position early in his Axemen career.”

“Brian is an extremely hard working player who has an energy and enthusiasm for the game that is unmatched.”

MATT KNOTTS:

Joining Doyle in Wolfville will be his Erie Community College Kats teammate, Matt Knotts.  The 6’1, 300 pound defensive tackle from Niagara Falls, New York played two seasons with Buffalo JUCO team.

Previous to his JUCO stint, Knotts suited up for his high school team Niagara Wheatfield Falcons in Sanford, New York.

“Matt brings size and athleticism to the interior defensive line,” assessed Cummins.  “He has been with us since January and has looked good in our workouts thus far.”

“The 6-1, 300-pounder is a great addition to the Acadia Axemen Football Family. “

JAVON SMITH:

The 6’2, 220 pound quarterback from Hollywood, Florida spent two seasons playing for JUCO team Merced College Blue Devils. Prior to his JUCO stint, Smith suited up for his high school team, McArthur Mustangs.

“Javon is a tremendous athlete who can hurt defenses with his legs as much as his arm,” commented Cummins.  “He is not a “running” quarterback, per say, because he has the ability to keep his eyes downfield when moving in the pocket and when he gets flushed.”

“Once he makes his mind up to run, however, he is more than a handful.  When in the pocket he has the arm to make any throw in the book.  We couldn’t be happier to call Javon part of the Acadia Axeman family.”

Matt Cook

MATT COOK:

The 6’4, 235 pound defensive end from Ottawa, Ontario felt the Wolfville, Nova Scotia campus offered everything he was looking for to embark on the next chapter of life on and off the field.

“I chose Acadia Because I felt like they would give me the best opportunity to both excel and stand out in football as well as in academics,” said Cook.  “They have a strong team and a good community and I know I will fit in well there.”

Among the teams Cook has suited up for include his high school team, St. Peter Knights of the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA) and the Cumberland Panthers of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). During his time with the Knights, he was named the team’s Defensive MVP.

“Matt will be joining the 20 plus Ottawa area players already on our roster,” commented Axemen Head Coach Jeff Cummins.  “He is a former OVFL All-Star who has a great combination of size and athleticism.”

“Matt is a competitor with a blue collar mentality that will pay off for him and us in the near future.  Welcome to the family Matt!”

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