Robbins, French, Matthews ready for the Laurier experience

Laurier brings in three commits from the GTA and Kingston.

Brandon Robbins, a receiver from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, Jordan French, a linebacker from Central Technical School and Anton Matthews, a receiver from David Suzuki Secondary School, will be flocking to Waterloo after signing with the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.

Brandon Robbins

It was love at first sight for Brandon Robbins, a product of Kingston, Ontario. “When I went on my visit, I felt at home. I loved the campus and what the university had to offer. I love the core values of the program and believe they have a very genuine approach to recruiting,” he said.

In fact, his first U Sports game was between the Golden Hawks and the Queens Gaels at Laurier. He said it was his first taste of the Laurier experience. This lingering feeling would soon blossom into admiration for a team that has been rebuilding for a few years. In their most recent season, the Golden Hawks bore fruit from their labour and won the 2016 Yates Cup.

“I love the culture here,” Robbins said. “I believe they will continue to grow as a program and team and I am honoured to be apart of that.”

The 6’2, 190lbs receiver won’t have to worry about playing against the Golden Hawks’ defense in a game, a defense he said is one of the best in the country. But, he will still have to content with them in practice. “I believe iron sharpens iron and the best way to better myself is to play against the best,” he added.

With the success Laurier has had, it all boils down to the attitude instilled by the coaches. Robbins couldn’t agree more. “Laurier’s coaching staff was one of the biggest deal breakers for me,” he said. “I believe that a good coaching staff is vital to a team’s success.”

He added that, “Their staff is full of knowledgeable coaches who have a large interest in each athlete and bettering themselves on and off the field. I greatly look forward to working with Head Coach Faulds and the offence.”

Along with a chance to develop on the field, the future kinesiology student said he felt Laurier was the best place to better himself academically as well.

Robbins has played for five years with the Holy Cross Crusaders (Kingston Area Secondary School Athletic Association) where he won two KASSAA championships. In his three years with the Kingston Grenadiers (OVFL), he won a conference championship.

He will be looking to carry on his winning ways to a level he has long aspired for. “Playing in the U Sports league has been a goal of mine for a very long time,” he said. “Now, finally seeing it pan out is a very humbling experience.”

Jordan French

The recruitment process can be a bit of a whirlwind for any student athlete, but with the right guidance, it can be a breeze. “The coaching staff really helped me and my family with the commitment process because we were new to all this,” Jordan French said.

What helped the 6’2, 200lbs outside linebacker even more was the atmosphere of the school. “I chose to commit to the school because everyone, especially the football team, felt like family. Everyone was so close to each other and I really felt comfortable there,” he said.

French’s goals extend beyond an undergraduate degree. He will be taking sociology with the hopes of entering law and becoming a lawyer.

In his career, he spent three years with the Central Tech Blues (Toronto District School Board) and the Toronto Jr. Argos (OFC). In grade ten, he was defensive MVP. The following year, he was named the most improved player. He also won the Tyson Bailey award, which was accompanied by a $500 cheque. It is a memorial award for a football player who passed away at his high school.

Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, French’s decision faced more influence than simply his own desire. “My family played a big part in my decision,” he said. “(I had a) lot of help from them and I am grateful for that.”

Anton Matthews
Anton Matthews took an extra year to play with his high school team, the David Suzuki Grizzlies (Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association). In 2016, he won a Tier 2 championship. Standing at 6’1, 205lbs, he is from Brampton, Ontario.