British Columbia linebacker joins OUA team’s 2016 class
Western Mustangs have extended their tradition of attracting talent from across the nation.
Today, the team has announced the addition of #CFC100 Chris Ellis to their football program.
Ellis, the 6ā1, 205 pound linebacker from North Vancouver, British Columbia, will join the Mustangs for the 2016 OUA season.
With his commitment, Ellis becomes the Mustangs first #CFC100 recruit for their 2016 recruiting class.
āChris is a tremendous student-athlete who excels both in the classroom and on the football field,ā commented Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall.Ā āHis athleticism and toughness is a welcome addition to our defence.ā
The defensive standout comes to Western after completing his career with Vancouver College Fighting Irish of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). This past fall, Ellis shattered the Fighting Irishās records for most career tackles (247) and single varsity season (130).Ā Additionally, he recorded six sacks and scored four touchdowns.
Throughout his career, the #CFC100 recruit has received numerous honours including BCHSFA āAAAā Defensive MVP (2015), Subway Bowl Most Outstanding Lineman (2015), BCHSFA Football Scholarship Award (2015) and BCHSFA āAAAā All-Star Selection (2014).Ā Moreover, he was a team captain during the 2015 season.
Overall, Eliisā playmaking abilities and game mentality will be assets to the Mustangs defence in future years.
“Chris is an outstanding linebacker whoĀ is an instinctive football player, has a tremendous motor and is always around the ball,ā described Mustangs Recruiting Coordinator Tom Flaxman of the teamās newest addition.
For his part, there were three distinctive factors that prompted the British Columbia defensive standout to opt for Western.Ā One of those reasons was his academic pursuits.
āMy interest is in the area of Kinesiology with the ultimate goal of heading into medicine was why I committed,ā explained Eliis.Ā āWesternās program was ideally suited to what I want to pursue and will provide me with an opportunity for a great education.ā
āThe academic facilities I saw were exceptionally good with the addition of an impressive new sciences building that I look forward to spending time in. The emphasis on academic support through the football program was also a deciding factor.ā
Secondly, the campus atmosphere he experienced and saw first-hand during his official visit weighed heavily on his decision.
āAfter spending time there I was very impressed with how comfortable everyone made me feel from coaches to players to even other students,ā reflected the British Columbia linebacker.Ā āOne of the biggest factors in my decision making was that I already felt like I was at home at the campus.ā
āI liked how the students were accommodated in residence and the close proximity of the football facilities to the residences. I also enjoyed the state of the art athletic centre.ā
Finally, the reputation and strength of the football program as well as the opportunity to contribute early on the teamās defence sealed the deal for Ellis.
āKnowing how successful the Western program has been for a number of years, meeting Coach Marshall, Coach Flaxman and the support staff made a difficult decision for me much easier,ā recalled the #CFC100 linebacker. Ā āIn speaking with the coaching staff, it was clear to me Iāll have the opportunity to compete for a role early in my career.ā
āI look forward to contributing to the team and being teammates with a strong recruiting class going forward for the next four to five years.ā
With theĀ #CFC100Ā linebackerās commitment, the Mustangs continue their long standing tradition in securing top recruits in the nation but also the prototypical team recruit. Ultimately, the team is ecstatic to welcome their newest addition to the fold.
āIt became clear early on Chris’s visit that he would be a great fit on our team,ā expressed Flaxman.Ā āWe are very excited he decided to join Western family.ā
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