Western makes late recruiting splash with NCAA transfer

Ontario wide receiver returns back home, strengthens OUA team’s 2015 class.

Jamal Kett wanted to come back to his home province and the Western Mustangs provided him the best opportunity possible.

The Mustangs have announced the addition of Kett to their football program. Kett, who is a 6’5, 225 pound wide receiver from Orangeville, Ontario, will join the team for the 2015 OUA season.

Most recently, Kett played for NCAA Division 2 team Simon Fraser Clan in Burnaby, British Columbia. During his three seasons with the team, the offensive standout amassed 1,004 yards on 85 receptions and scored 10 touchdowns.

Among the honours Kett received while playing for the Clan included Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) First-Team All-Conference selection (2012), GNAC Second-Team All-Conference Selection (2013) and Clan Offensive Player of the Year (2012).

Previous to the Clan, Kett suited up for St. Andrew’s College Saints of the Conference Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA).

Kett will not have to sit out this fall and is able to play immediately for the Mustangs.  Moreover, he will have two years of CIS eligibility remaining.

Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall is thrilled to add Kett, a player who he has enjoyed a great bond with for a long time and always felt would match the Mustang prototype.

“We’re very excited to welcome Jamal to the Western Mustang family,” commented Marshall.  “I’ve known Jamal for quite a while having recruited him when he was in high school.”

“I also had the opportunity to coach Jamal with Team World, and develop a relationship with him back in 2012 at the International Bowl in Texas. I know he will be a tremendous fit on our football team and in our locker room. We’re pleased Jamal has decided to finish his degree here at Western.”

For his part, the Mustangs were in the mix during Kett’s recruitment process in 2012.

“When I was first coming out of high school I was very close to committing to Western, but after a lot of thought and discussion with my family, we felt that Simon Fraser was the best fit,” recalled Kett.

 

While he appreciated the chance to play for the Clan, his ultimate desire was to come back and play in his home province.

“I am very grateful for my experience at SFU, but after a lot of thought and deliberation I feel that it is best if I return home to Ontario,” elaborated Kett.  “The SFU football team has gone through a number of different coaches over the last three years and this has some impact on my decision, but at the end of the day in my heart I have wanted to return home to play in the OUA.”

“I would like to thank all of the coaches who have had an impact on me as a man and as football player; I wish my former team all the best moving forward into the 2015 season.”

When he knew this was the gridiron path he wanted to take, the wide receiver did look at different options available in Ontario.  However, the opportunity to reunite with Marshall as well as former teammates Will Finch and Yannick Harou was something he couldn’t overlook or pass up.

“My decision to commit to Western came after talking to a few different schools in the OUA but was ultimately solidified by the relationships I have at the university,” explained Kett.  “In 2012, I played in the International Bowl in Austin, Texas where I formed good relationships with Will Finch [Mustangs quarterback] and Coach Marshall.”

“For me, this decision means coming into a situation where I already know some familiar faces. There are also a number of players at Western who went through my high school program (St Andrew’s College) including my high school roommate and close friend Yannick Harou. The Western Mustangs have a great program and I only hope I can contribute to their success. I’m feeling really good about my decision to attend Western and am excited for the 2015 season.”

Marshall said that Kett will play a prominent role on the team’s offense as he will bring added size, athleticism and explosive play-making abilities.

“Jamal will be an excellent fit in our offense,” added the Mustangs Head Coach.  “Jamal is a great athlete, he’s big and physical, and will be a dynamic target in our offense this coming year.”

Jamal is a versatile receiver, he’s had some great coaching at Simon Fraser. He’s got the size and strength to be a great blocker, but he’s also very polished as a receiver.  He has the ability stretch the field vertically and he catches the ball very well.”

Kett is a solid addition to the Mustangs’ recruiting class which is already laden full of talent and depth.  Ultimately, the Mustangs believe his experience and intangibles will make him a valuable asset to the team.

“Jamal is a great addition to what we believe is a very strong recruiting class,” expressed Mustangs Recruiting Coordinator Tom Flaxman.  “It’s nice when you’re able to add a player who has had a great deal of success at a high level of football.”

Jamal has a relationship with a number of players on our roster already and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

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