Rivals to teammates for York commits

York adds two local commits to their Class of 2018.

Having long since been from rival clubs during the OVFL season, linebacker Matt Dean from Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School and running back Darnel Jarrett from Vanier College will be setting aside whatever rivalries they may have had as they become teammates on the York Lions.

Matt Dean

When choosing schools, Matt Dean didn’t want to stray too far from his home of Ajax, Ontario. “I chose to commit to York because I believe it is the best place for me to be successful in the classroom and on the field. The location of the school really appealed to me because I was trying to stay local with my schooling,” he said.

“The coaching staff is great and are really dedicated to football and the team. They have tons of football knowledge and were also really welcoming on all my visits, which made my decision that much easier,” he added.

Dean, who is interested in taking Law, said he also chose York because of its law program.

The 6’2, 200lbs outside linebacker began his career in grade nine with the Uxbridge Secondary School Tigers (Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics). In his five-years on the field, he has played with the Clarington Knights (OFC), the Oshawa Hawkeyes (OVFL) and Kingdom Force 7v7 football. His most recent team is the Paul Dwyer Saints (LOSSA).

In 2013, he was a LOSSA defensive MVP while with the Tigers. He also won the Ramsey Conference in the OFC with the Knights. While with the Saints in 2015 and 2016, he won back-to-back LOSSA gold medals. In 2015, the Saints captured an OFSAA Eastern Bowl title. This past season, he was an offensive MVP.

Welcome 6’2, 200 lbs DB Matt Dean from the Oshawa Hawkeyes. His athleticism and toughness will make an immediate impact! #LionPride @yorkulions pic.twitter.com/nQ2sxWJQen

— Warren Craney (@YULionsFootball) February 1, 2018

Darnel Jarrett

After spending time playing with the Vanier Cheetahs (RSEQ Division 1) in Montreal, Quebec, Darnel Jarrett will be returning to a city he knows all too well. Originally from Ajax, Ontario, he said that choosing York “honestly just felt right. I see a change for the future that’s really going to benefit this program and I feel like Head Coach Craney and the rest of the coaching staff have all the tools right now on the roster to do that.”

He added that, “They have a really strong coaching staff I feel a lot of people around the league look over. Coach Craney has seen and knows what it takes as an athlete to be successful and he’s put together the right men to do that.”

During his recruitment, Jarrett said he was looking for the chance to come in early and contribute. “York really seemed like the best fit for that,” he said. “I think Coach KP is really going to be able to utilize me well and use me to create mismatches on the field. He seems like he as a specific vision for this offense and I’m excited that he wants me to be apart of that.”

Although it is not in the heart of downtown Toronto like the University of Toronto or Ryerson University, York appealed to Jarrett in another way. “The school itself had an influence on me. The size of the campus is what really gave the university feel to me,” the future visual arts student said.

In his career, Jarrett, who is 5’10, 165lbs, has played for the Pickering Dolphins (OPFL). He started the sport at the age of nine and has since played for 11 years. In 2013, he was apart of Team Ontario, which beat Team USA in Texas. In 2015, he was an OVFL all-star. He plans on becoming a two-sport athlete and wants to do track in the offseason.

Very excited to announce the signing of RB Darnel Jarrett from Vanier CEGEP. His athleticism and breakaway speed are dangerous! Welcome to the family! @yorkulions #LionPride pic.twitter.com/KnfLW1NhUU

— Warren Craney (@YULionsFootball) February 3, 2018