Nova Scotia & New Brunswick standouts join AUS Conference Champions.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will be well represented in Mount Allison Mounties 2014 Class.
Hayden Clarke, Brayden Culligan, O’Neil Barton, Wyatt Noel and Pat Gillespie have all signed with the Mounties for the 2014 AUS season.
HAYDEN CLARKE:
The 6’0, 170 pound defensive back from Halifax, Nova recently led Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to their first ever Provincial Tier 1 Championship this past November. For his exceptional play on the field, Clarke was selected as an NSSAFFL Scotia Division First Team All-Star at the running back position.
Additionally, he was selected to the NSSAFFL Nova Division first all-star team at the running back position as well as Flames offensive MVP in 2012.
Other teams Hayden has suited up for during his career include Timberlea Titans and Timberlea Renegades of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL). During his second season with the peewee Titans, the team capped off an undefeated regular season with a Maritime Championship title. For his exceptional play on field, Hayden nabbed Championship MVP to go along with Titans Offensive MVP Award he received that season.
“Hayden is an explosive athlete,” commented Mounties Head Coach Kelly Jeffrey. “He plays with great burst and showed an ability to take short gains into long touchdown runs or regular tackles and make them decleaters.”
“He was an integral part of their championship run this year and we are excited to have that playmaking ability join our program.”
BRAYDEN CULLIGAN:
The 5’10, 185 pound defensive back from Halifax, Nova Scotia led the Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to their first ever Provincial Tier 1 Championship this past fall.
Culligan began his career in 2006 with the Timberlea Titans minor football program. Other teams he has played for include Halifax Redhawks, and Timberlea Renegades of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL).
Additionally, he was a member of Team Nova Scotia under-15 squad in 2010. This past July, he represented his home province as a member of Team Nova Scotia at the 2013 Football Canada Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Throughout his career, the Flames defensive back has been honoured with several accolades including Flames Captain (2013), Renegades Captain (2012, 2013), Flames Special Teams MVP (2013), NSSAFFL Scotia Division First Team All-Star at the defensive back position (2013), NSSAFFL Second Team All-Star at the defensive back position (2012) and Titans Leadership Award (2009).
“It is rare to find a defensive back that is as polished as Brayden is straight out of high school,” expressed Jeffrey. “He has great cover skills and plays the ball very naturally.”
“Brayden’s footwork is excellent and he has great passion to get to the football. He was another key piece to his teams run to the provincial title and will be a great fit here in our program.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uznbSLCWAQ4
O’NEIL BARTON:
The 6’2, 315 offensive lineman from Halifax, Nova Scotia helped the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to two consecutive Provincial Tier 1 Championships including the team’s historical five peat (2011, 2012 – historical fifth).
Barton began his career in the eighth grade, when he played defensive/offensive tackle for the Halifax Raiders. Other teams he has suited up for include Halifax Chargers, the Halifax Seahawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL) and the Halifax Argos of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL).
Moreover, the lineman has represented his home province on the national stage as a previous member of Team Nova Scotia.
“O’Neil had the biggest improvement of any high school player I saw from grade 11 to grade 12 over the last year,” assessed Jeffrey. “He really dedicated himself to getting better and has turned himself into an excellent offensive lineman.”
“He has good size but his improved footwork and finishing of blocks was impressive. O’Neil will be a great addition to our program.”
WYATT NOEL:
The 6’4, 210 defensive end from Halifax, Nova Scotia decided on the Sackville, New Brunswick school for a few specific reasons.
“The academics are highly respected and the football program is simply unreal,” explained Noel of his decision. “Plus on my recruiting trip, the team just felt like family.”
“It’s also a bonus that two of my best friends Shaun Robinson and O’Neil Barton will also be attending and playing football with me. Not to mention that the dining hall is the best in Atlantic Canada!”
Noel comes to the Mounties after completing his high school career with the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). During his time with the Phoenix, the defensive standout won two championships with the team (2011, 2012 – historical five peat).
In the 2013 season, Noel registered five tackles for a loss and recorded 4 1/2 sacks. He was named the Phoenix’ Most Improved Lineman of the Year in 2013.
Other teams he has suited up for include Halifax Argos of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL) and Halifax Seahawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL).
“Wyatt is another great young defensive lineman from Citadel,” said Jeffrey. “He has a good get off and presents a difficult matchup for offensive linemen with his speed and agility.”
“Wyatt comes from a very successful program and will add great competition to the defensive end spot immediately.”
PAT GILLESPIE:
The 6’0, 185 pound receiver from Dieppe, New Brunswick has opted to stay in his home province to begin his CIS career. There were many factors that came into play as to why he chose the AUS Conference Champions.
“I like the school because it is close to my hometown so my family and friends can still come see me play and because it is a great school that is ranked the number one undergrad in Canada,” explained Gillespie of his decision. “I love the team because since day one, I’ve felt like I’ve been there for years all the guys are awesome and I already have a great relationship with many of the coaches because of the under-18 Team New-Brunswick program.”
“All these factors made Mount Allison an easy choice for me.”
Gillespie comes to the Mounties after completing his high school career with Mathieu-Martin Matadors of the New Brunswick High School Football League (NBHSFL). For two consecutive years, the receiver has been selected as a NBHSFL 12-Man Eastern Conference All-Star.
For two consecutive years, Gillespie has represented his home province as a member of Team New Brunswick at the Football Canada Cup – 2012 in London, Ontario and 2013 in Moncton, New Brunswick.
“Pat is as tough a receiver as you will find,” commented Jeffrey. “He is relentless in his blocking and has developed himself into a clutch receiver.”
“Pat is a very complete player and will bring great determination along with his ability to make big catches.”
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