Over 25 Canadians in NCAA Bowl Games

It’s Bowl time south of the border.

Beginning Saturday December 19st 2015, and running until the National Championship on Sunday January 11th, 38 NCAA FBS Bowl  Games will be played.

27 “Canadians” play for teams that will be competiting in of those games.

CanadafootballChat.com gives you a guide of which games Canadian players will be involved in during the Bowl period:

GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL (DECEMBER 19TH):

A ’15 #CFC100 British Columbian player will take part in this contest for the Arizona Wildcats as they square off against New Mexico Lobos in Albuquerque University Stadium.

Harper Sherman

HARPER SHERMAN – The 6’5, 260 pound offensive lineman from New Westminster, British Columbia is a greyshirted freshman with the Wildcats. Sherman has previously played for the New Westminster Hyacks of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). In 2014, the lineman was selected as a BCHSFA Western Conference All-Star and a British Columbia AAA all-star.  He was a ’15 #CFC100 ranked player.

CAMELLIA BOWL (DECEMBER 19TH):

At Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, two #CFC100 players will participate in this game for the Ohio Bobcats as they face Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Matt Seymour NCAA Commitment

MATT SEYMOUR – The 6’1, 167 pound receiver from New Westminster, British Columbia is a greyshirted freshman with the Wildcats. Seymour suited up for the New Westminster Hyacks of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). In 2014, he was selected as a Provincial ‘AAA’ All-Star at the receiver position. He was a ’15 #CFC100 player.

FB Headshots

MALEEK IRONS – The 6’0, 211 pound running back who was born in Calgary, Alberta but has called Chilliwack, British Columbia his home has rushed for 198 yards on 33 carries (average of six yards per carry) and four touchdowns with the Bobcats.   Irons was selected as a BC ‘AAA’ Offensive MVP as well as Eastern Conference Offensive MVP (two time recipient) while playing for his high school team, WJ Mouat Hawks of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA) in 2014.  In the 2012 season with the Hawks, he dominated on the field as he amassed 3204 rushing yards, which was an average of 10.5 yards per carry, 494 all-purpose yards and scored an astounding 45 touchdowns. He set the single season provincial rushing record that year.  For his efforts on the field, Irons was named BCHSFA’s Outstanding Offensive Player. Irons was a ’14 #CFC100 ranked player.

POINTSETTA BOWL (DECEMBER 23RD):

One Canadian player will take to the field when Nothern Illinois Huskies face off against Boise State Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Juwan Brescacin 2015

JUWAN BRESCACIN – The towering 6’4, 230 pound wide reciver from Mississauga, Ontario is in his senior season with the Huskies.  In 2015, he amassed 273 yards on 19 receptions and a touchdown.  Previous to the Huskies, Brescacin attended Indiana’s Culver Academy.

GO DADDY BOWL (DECEMBER 23RD):

One Ontario player will be involved in this contest for the Bowling Green Falcons as they tangle with Georgia Southern Eagles at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

Ryan Hunter 2015

RYAN HUNTER – The 6’4, 308 pound offensive lineman who is a native of North Bay, Ontario is in his sophomore year with the Falcons. Among the teams the Ontario born offensive lineman has played for include Ecole Secondaire Catholique Algonquin, Canisuis Crusaders (Buffalo, New York) and Nipissing Wild of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). During his career, the Ontario offensive lineman has been honoured for his play on the field.  Those honours include Trench Trophy as the best lineman of Western New York, Buffalo News Player of the Year and a selection to the State first all-star team.

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL (DECEMBER 26TH):

There is a Canadian connection in this Bowl game as five players will suit up for the UCONN Huskies as they take on Marshall Thundering Herd at Tropicana Field.

Trey Rutherford 2015

TREY RUTHERFORD – The 6’5, 300 pound offensive lineman from Stouffville, Ontario is in his sophomore season with the Huskies.  Rutherford has played for Villanova College Knights of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), the Markham Raiders of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and Brother Andre Cardinals of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA). Among the honours he’s received include Erickson (NEPSAC) All-League Team selection in 2012, Knights Lineman of the Year in 2011, Raiders Lineman of the Year 2009 and selection as a member to Team Canada at the 2012 World Championships in Austin, Texas. Rutherford is a ’14 #CFC100 ranked player.

Sheridan Lawley 2015

SHERIDAN LAWLEY – The 6’5, 238 pound tight end from Abbotsford is in his freshman season with the Huskies.  Prior to the Huskies, Lawley played high school football in New Jersey for Lawrenceville Big Red.  During his stint there, the defensive standout was selected to the Star Ledger All-Prep Team, the New Jersey Times Defensive Honour Roll for his performance in a game in early October (registered nine tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble), and the New Jersey Times 12th Man TD Club Award at the offensive lineman position. Previous to the Big Red, he suited up for W.J Mouat Hawks of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). Lawley was ranked as a ’14 #CFC100 player.

Michael Tarbutt 2015

MICHAEL TARBUTT – The 6’0, 177 pound kicker from Grimsby, Ontario is in his freshman season with the Huskies.  In six games with the Huskies this past season, Tarbutt had 1500 yards on 26 kickoffs (average of 57.7 yards) and five touchbacks.    Tarbutt led Canisius Crusaders, a high school in Buffalo, New York to an undefeated 9-0 record en route to the Catholic State Championship in 2014.  Moreover, the kicker/punter has previously suited up for the Niagara Spears of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

Hergy Mayala 2015

HERGY MAYALA – The 6’2, 200 pound wide receiver from Montreal, Quebec is in his freshman season with the Huskies.  In 10 games this season, Mayala had 65 yards on six receptions (average of 10.8 yards per reception).  In 2015, the wide receiver capped off a successful campaign with New York prep school Trinity-Pawling Pride as he was selected as an All-Erickson League and All-NEPSAC wide receiver.  Previous to the Pride, he has played for both the North Shore Lions and the North Shore Mustangs. Among the honours he has recieved during his career include Lions Linebacker MVP and Mustangs Wide Receiver MVP. Mayala was ranked as a ’15 #CFC100 player.

Philippe Okounam 2015

PHILIPPE OKOUNAM – The 6’5 288 pound defensive lineman from Chateauguay, Quebec in his his freshman season with the Huskies. Okounam previously completed a stint with Concord, New Hampshire high school team, St. Paul’s. He also suited up for RSEQ Juvenile Division 1B’s Dalbe Viau Aigles D’Or in his home province.

HEART OF DALLAS BOWL (DECEMBER 26TH):

One British Columbia player will be involved in this contest as the Washington Huskies battle Southern Miss Golden Eagles at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas

Brayden Lenius NCAA

BRAYDEN LENIUS –  The 6’5, 220 pound wide receiver from North Vancouver, British Columbia is in his sophomore season with the Washington Huskies.  in 2015, Lenius played in 12 games, started in six contests as well as amassed 307 yards on 26 receptions and scored three touchdowns.  Previous to the Huskies, he suited up for Chaminade West Hills, a private preparatory school in California. Lenius enjoyed a successful high school career with the Carson Graham Eagles of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).  In 2012, the wide receiver played a pivotal role in the successful comeback campaign the Eagles mounted to win the Buchanan Bowl.  In the 22-19 victory, Lenius scored all three touchdowns for the team. The wide receiver is a ’14 #CFC100 ranked player.

FOSTER FARMS BOWL (DECEMBER 26TH):

At Levis Stadium in Sacramento, California, two Ontario players will participate in this game on opposite sides as UCLA Bruins compete against Nebraska Cornhuskers

Eli Ankou 2015

ELI ANKOU – The 6’3, 305 pound offensive lineman who is a native of Ottawa, Ontario is a junior with the UCLA Bruins. Previous to the Bruins, Ankou has enjoyed much success in the Canadian and American football ranks.  North of the border, the Ottawa native has suited up for the Cumberland Panthers of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and St. Peter’s Knights high school team.  Subsequently after those stints, the defensive standout moved to the United States to play for the Red Lion Christian Academy in Delaware. Among the awards and honours he’s received over the course of his career include MVP honours at both the NLA Bigmen Challenge and Nike Rutgers Camps.  Moreover, Ankou was named best rusher at the United States Army Combine which was held in San Antonio, Texas and also received the MVP and Leadership Award at the Elite Badger Challenge.

David Knevel 2015

DAVID KNEVEL – The 6’9, 310 pound offensive lineman from Brantford, Ontario is in his sophomore season with the Cornhuskers.  Not only is he one of the tallest players on the roster, but the only non United States player on the team in 2015.  Among the honours Knevel has received during his time with the Cornhuskers include ebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (2014), Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2014, 2015) and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2014, 2015).  Knevel played his high school football at Pauline Johnson (Brantford) and community football for the Brantford Bisons (OVFL).  He was a member of the Canadian National Junior team that won a gold medal at the 2012 World Junior Championship.

QUICK LANE BOWL (DECEMBER 28TH):

Two Canadians are involved in this Bowl game as the Minnesota Gophers will compete against Central Michigan Chippewas at Ford Field in Detroit.

Julian Patrice Kafo 2015

JULIEN PATRICE KAFO – The 6’4, 256 pound defensive end from Mont Tremblant, Quebec is played two games this past season as a freshman with the Gophers.  Kafo previously completed a stint with CEGEP Division 1 team, Vanier Cheetahs.

Jonathan Femi-Cole 2015

JONATHAN FEMI-COLE – The 6’0, 212 pound running back from Vaughan, Ontario is a freshman with the Gophers.  Femi-Cole began his gridiron journey in grade nine for the St. Joan of Arc Thunder of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA). The Ontario offensive standout moved on to have a successful career with the Newmarket Bucs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).  During his time with the Bucs, he was honoured for his exceptional play on the field with Player of the Week, OVFL Offensive Player MVP honours as well as an OVFL All-Star selection. Before the Gophers, Femi-Cole suited up for St. Andrew’s College Saints of the Conference Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA). He is a ’15 #CFC100 ranked player.

ARIZONA BOWL (DECEMBER 29TH):

Two Canadian players will be suiting up for Nevada Wolfpack as the team contests Colorado State Rams.

 

Nevada 2015 Football Team Head Shots 6-26-15

BRENDAN O’LEARY-ORANGE – The 6’4, 205 pound receiver from Etobicoke, Ontario redshirted his freshman season with the Wolfpack.  Previously, O’Leary-Orange has attended Canada Prep Academy.  Additionally, O’leary Orange has also suited up for Michael-Power St. Joseph Trojans of the Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA) and Etobicoke Eagles of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). He was ranked as a ’15 #CFC100 player.

BELK BOWL (DECEMBER 30TH):

One Canadian is involved in this Bowl game as Mississippi State Bulldogs meet North Carolina State Wolfpack.

Justin Senior 2015

JUSTIN SENIOR – The 6’5, 295 pound offensive lineman from Montreal, Quebec is in his junior season with the Bulldogs.  He previously attended Hargrove Academy in Virginia.

ORANGE BOWL (DECEMBER 31ST):

Two Canadians will be competing in this bowl game as the Oklahoma Sooners battle the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium at Miami Gardens in Florida.

Neville Gallimore 2015

NEVILLE GALLIMORE – The 6’3, 345 pound defensive tackle from Ottawa, Ontario is in his freshman season with the Sooners.   The ’15 #CFC100 top ranked player attendedCanada Prep Football Academy and is playing for the Raiders.  Among the other teams he has suited up for in the past include St. Patrick Fighting Irish of National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA), junior varsity Cumberland Panthers of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and South Ottawa Mustangs.

Josiah St. John 2015

JOSIAH ST. JOHN – The 6’6, 308 pound tackle from Pickering, Ontario is in his senior season with the Sooners.  In 2015, he started in four games and competed in seven contests.  Among the teams he’s previously played for in Canada were the Pickering Trojans and the Ajax/Pickering Dolphins of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).  In 2011 season, Josiah left Canada to attend Fresno City College, a junior college in California.   That year, he helped the school’s team, the Fresno City Rams, to state conference championship.  After two years at Fresno, Josiah moved to Athens, Texas where he suited up for the Trinity Valley Cardinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

COTTON BOWL (DECEMBER 31ST):

Three Canadians will participate in this Bowl game as Michigan State Spartans square off against Alabama Crimson Tide at AT & T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arjen Colquhoun 2015

ARJEN COLQUHOUN – The 6’1, 202 pound cornerback who is a native of Windsor, Ontario is in his senior season with the Spartans.  Previous to the Spartans, Colquhoun played high school football W.F Herman Green Griffins of the Windsor and Essex County Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WECSSAA) where he was the 2010 League Defensive MVP of the Windsor & Essex County and named as a League All-Star.

07.07.14_MSU FTBL HEADSHOTS

DAVID FENNELL – The 6’2, 276 pound fullback who is a native of Calgary, Alberta is in his junior season with the Spartans.  Previous to the Spartans, he played for Sunset High School in Portland, Oregon.  In 2011, Fennell was Class 6A first-team all-state selection by The Oregonian and named All-Metro League Defensive Player of the Year.  Additionally, he suited up for Rundle Cobras  and was selected as a Calgary All-Star in 2010.

Michael Toplinski 2015

MICHAEL TOPOLINSKI – The 6’0, 198 pound linebacker who is a native of Richmond, Ontario is a senior with the Spartans.  Previous to the Spartans, Topolinski has suited up for McMaster Marauders, Upper Canada College Blues of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and New Mexico Military Institute.

ROSE BOWL (DECEMBER 31ST):

Three Canadians will be on opposing sides as Iowa Hawkeyes battle Stanford Cardinal in Pasadena, California.

Coat and Tie Football Portraits, Smith, Tevaun

TEVAUN SMITH – The 6’2, 205 pound wide receiver from Toronto, Ontario is in his senior season with the Hawkeyes.  In December, Smith was ranked first in the Winter Edition of the CFL Scouting Bureau Rankings.  In 2015, he amassed 546 yards on 30 receptions and three touchdowns.  The wide receiver previously played for the Toronto Metro Wildcats (OVFL) and Chaminade College School Gryphons. In the 2010-2011 season, Smith got MVP for the Gryphons. For his exceptional play with Kent School in Connecticut, Smith made All New England offensive player. Additionally, he led Kent into championship football game against Taft and says losing that game is the highlight of his football career. He was awarded the team’s MVP Award.

Faith Ekakitie 2015

FAITH EKAKITIE – The 6’3, 290 pound defensive lineman from Brampton, Ontario is in his junior season with the Hawkeyes.  Previous to the Hawkeyes, Ekakitie played for Lake Forest Academy in Illinois.

Wesley Annan 2015

WESLEY ANNAN – The 6’4, 285 pound defensive tackle from Whitby, Ontario is in his freshman season with the Cardinal.  The second ranked ’15 #CFC100 player previously attended Lake Forest Academy in Illinois. Other teams he has suited up for in the past north of the border for includes the Toronto Thunder of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and the Donald A Wilson Gators of the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (LOSSAA).

TAXSLAYER BOWL (JANUARY 2ND):

One Canadian player is involved in this Bowl Game at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida as Penn State Nittany Lions take on Georgia Bulldogs

Akeel Lynch NCAA

AKEEL LYNCH – The 5’11, 220 pound running back from Toronto,Ontario is in his senior season with the Nittany Lions.  IN 2015, Lynch racked up 278 rushing yards on 54 carries and two touchdowns.  Previous to the Nittany Lions, the native of Toronto, Ontario enjoyed a successful football career with St.Francis Red Raiders (Buffalo, New York high school team).  During his time with the Red Raiders, Lynch was selected as New York Gatorade Player of the Year in 2011 and was also selected to the First Team All-Western New York squad.  The running back broke school records as he rushed for 2,131 yards on 213 carries and scored 25 touchdowns. Among the teams Lynch has previously suited up in Canada has included St.Michael’s Kerry Blues of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and the Toronto Jr. Argos football team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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