UBC adds one local commit and one out-of-province commit to their 2019 class.
Edgerrin Williams, a wide receiver from St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, and Erik Dika-Balotoken, an athlete from Handsworth Secondary School, are hungry to win with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.
Edgerrin Williams
By Gerry Graham.
For Edgerrin Williams, he always had the Thunderbirds in his sights. “UBC was the choice for me as it has much to offer for me to succeed on and off the field with many opportunities,” Williams said. “On my visit, it was a beautiful campus and the team is all-in and want the same goal as myself and that’s to win and bring the cup home.”
He added that, “Having a successful (head) coach as Nill is also a key factor as we both connected as we are both winners…Coach Nill is known for his winning success, so I want to come in and help him contribute to win more. That’s the goal.”
Speaking of coaches, Williams said the staff strives for greatness everyday and that they are on the same page as the players. He added that there are two strength and conditioning coaches for the team, which was a key factor in his decision.
In terms of academics, Williams knows he is set. “UBC is one of the top schools in Canada and the world, so having a degree from UBC also is a key factor,” said Williams, who is interested in taking arts. “But then the ultimate goal is to go to law school after my pro career is finished and become a lawyer.”
Williams, who is 5’11, 180lbs, has played with three teams in his six-year career, the Hamilton Jr. Tiger-Cats (OPFL), the Brantford Bisons (OFC) and the St. Thomas More Knights (HWCAA). He helped the Knights win five-straight city championships and three-straight OFSAA Bowls. He is a three-time city all-star and has been named ‘rookie of the year’ and ‘offensive player of the year.’
“I am a winner and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that my team and I are successful,” Williams said. “I believe I’m a top receiver and I will turn a lot of heads at the next level as long as I stay on my grind and God is by my side!”
Erik Dika-Balotoken
Erik Dika-Balotoken is staying out on the West Coast. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, he played with the Central Technical Blues (TDSAA) from 2013 to 2017 as a slotback and strong safety. He also played with the Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL) and the Toronto Jr. Argonauts (OFC). Standing at 5’9, 175lbs, he then moved to North Vancouver, BC, where he played a season with the Handsworth Royals (BCSSFA). He is the younger brother of Yann Dika-Balotoken, who played with the Queen’s Gaels.
#BlueChip .. Erik Dika-Balotoken decides its @UBC !! .. Handsworth SS athlete brings ability and instinct to @ubctbirds secondary .. former Metro Toronto Wildcats has football pedigree .. (brother Yann was a National Champ @Queens_Football) .. pic.twitter.com/i8KjTuEVcp
— Blake Nill (@CoachNill) April 2, 2019
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
