Top choice (VIDEO)

Two time Nova Scotia MVP becomes newest recruit to join AUS team’s 2014 class.

Taylor MacDonald will begin his CIS career at home.

This past weekend, the 5’9, 180 pound defensive back from Bedford, Nova Scotia committed to the Saint Mary’s Huskies.  He will join the team for the 2014 AUS season.

While the decision was not easy, MacDonald decided on the Huskies due to academics and the strength of the football program throughout the years.

“I was recruited by a number of great schools and had some great visits across the province and out west,” explained MacDonald of his decision.  “In factoring my educational and athletic priorities and reviewed all the information I had from the various schools, SMU rose to the top.”

“The reputation of the Sobey School of Business was a major factor in my decision, I knew I wanted to study Business (Commerce) and SMU is a leader in that area.  Secondly, I really like the direction the football program is going in. They have a strong football tradition at SMU and have been extremely competitive over the years.  The team is also very active in the community and those activities are important to me.  I felt very welcomed by the coaching staff, academic staff, and off course, all the players throughout the entire recruitment and application processes.”

Ultimately, the Nova Scotia defensive standout is thrilled to be staying at home while reuniting with family and former teammates when he joins the team.

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the university, and am excited to have the opportunity to play for my hometown,” expressed MacDonald.  “I have many ties to the university as many of my previous coaches have gone there and many players I have played with or against in the past are currently on the team.”

“My cousin Ben Rossong (Huskies quarterback) is a leader on the team and was always a guy I looked up to over the years.  To have the opportunity to actually play with him for a few years is going to be fun.  I feel SMU has offered me everything I need to be successful in school and to prepare me for life beyond. No question, it is the best fit for me and I’m ready and proud to ball out for the next four to five years with the Huskies!”

MacDonald comes to the Huskies after a successful high school campaign with the Charles P Allen Cheetahs of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).  In 2013, he was named the League’s Nova Division CO-MVP (second consecutive league MVP honour) as well as Nova Division Offensive MVP and Nova Division First team All-Star.  That season, MacDonald racked up 1,698 all-purpose yards on 87 touches, scored 25 touchdowns, registered 35 tackles, recorded four sacks and caught two interceptions in nine games. Not only was MacDonald a defensive back, but he also played at the running back position and had a significant role on special teams as a returner.

Other teams he has suited up for include Bedford/Sackville Saints (captain throughout his time there), Metro Mustangs (captain for the past two seasons) of both the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL) and Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL).

Moreover, MacDonald has represented his home province on several occasions.  He has been a member of Team Nova Scotia’s under-15, under-17 and under-18 squads for the past four seasons.  He represented his home province as a member of Team Nova Scotia at two Football Canada Cups – 2011 in Lethbridge, Alberta and 2012 in London, Ontario.

“We are very happy to have Taylor join us at Saint Mary’s,” commented Huskies Head Coach Perry Marchese.  “He is a great addition to the family.”

AWARDS AND HONOURS:

• 2013 – NSSAFFL – League MVP (Nova Division)
• 2013 – NSSAFFL – League Offensive MVP (Nova Division)
• 2013 – NSSAFFL – 1^st Team All-Star Running Back (Nova Division)
• 2012 – NSSAFFL – League MVP (Nova Division)
• 2012 – NSSAFFL – 1^st Team All-Star Running Back, 2^nd Team All-Star Linebacker
• 2012 – CP Allen Team MVP
• Selected to 2012 Football Canada Cup All-star team for Defensive Back
• Defensive MVP game vs Alberta at 2012 Football Canada Cup
• 2012 – NSJVFL Offensive MVP (Metro Mustangs)
• 2011 – Football Nova Scotia High School Player of the Year
• 2011 – NSSAFFL – Rookie of the Year (Nova Division)
• 2011 – NSSAFFL – 2^nd Team All-Star Linebacker (Nova Division)
• 2011 – CP Allen Team Rookie of the Year
• 2011 – CP Allen Team Defensive MVP
• 2011 – NS Provincial Team ( U-18) Larry Uteck Fair Play Award
• 2005 -10 Minor football (Atom, Peewee x2, Bantam) Team MVP (each year)
• CPA High School – Rookie of the Year (2011-12)

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