OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE LINEMAN FROM CENTRAL ALBERTA JOINS DINOS:

The University of Calgary Dinos knew about Jacob Plamondon two years ago. When the 2017 football team has their spring training camp they will get know him better.

Regarded as one of the elite players in Central Alberta, the 18-year old Plamondon has signed a U Sports Letter of Intent and will begin his post-secondary football career with the defending Canada West (Hardy Cup) and Mitchell Bowl Champions in 2017.

“We noticed him (Jacob Plamondon) at our summer development camp two years ago,” stated Head Coach Wayne Harris who followed Plamondon’s rapid development continually including an all-star season in the Calgary Midget Football League where he was one of the most dominant players playing for the Prairie Fire, based out of Red Deer. He is the recipient of the Calgary Midget Football League Association scholarship.

“Jacob gets off the ball very well. He has a very quick first step and great pass rusher,” states Harris of the 6’3”, 220 lbs. “He is a great hustler on the field and has excellent pursuit,” Harris stated.

Plamondon joins the team after an outstanding career with the Notre Dame Cougars under Coach Gino Castellan in the Central Region Central Alberta Schools Association playing just four years of competitive football. He was a three-year starter on the Cougars and in his senior season played on both sides of the football, being on the defensive line and playing tight end and slot back on offense.

Jacob was recruited by Simon Fraser University as well as the Universities of Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada West but did not make any official visits.

“I chose to commit to Calgary because they have a strong program and have built a strong culture. What was most appealing was they were the first school to approach me, Plamondon stated. “I believe their coaching staff is great and how far they go each season is proof of that.”

Jacob will enroll in psychology courses at the University of Calgary. He is the son of Colin Plamondon and Donna Millang.

SECOND GENERATION OFFENSIVE STALWART COMMITS TO THE DINOS:

Receiver Jacob Izquierdo becomes the fourth second generation Dino football player from the 2015 and 2016 St. Francis Browns City and Provincial Champions to the join the 2016 Hardy Cup and Mitchell Bowl Dinos football program for the 2017 season.

Dinos Head Coach Wayne Harris confirmed Izquierdo will attend the University of Calgary in the fall of 2017 signing a U Sports Letter of Intent.

Izquierdo, follows in the footsteps of defensive back Christian Cardone, quarterback Cole Belway, and inside receiver Matt Ohler, each of whose fathers played for the Dinos during the 1980’s and part of Vanier Cup Championship teams. Izquierdo is the son of former Canada West all-star and CIS all-Canadian tailback J.P. Izquierdo. J.P. was a key member of the Dinos 1988 National Championship team and regarded as one of the premier running backs to wear a Dinos football jersey. As a professional he earned a trio of Grey Cup rings, two at Toronto and one with Edmonton during his CFL career.  

Jacob’s uncle, Javier Glatt, also had a distinguished college and professional career playing at UBC and professionally with the BC Lions.

Regarded as one of the premier receivers in this year’s graduating class in Canada and ranked in the CFC Top 100, Jacob has been a member of championship teams during his entire youth and High School careers. He played his youth football in the Cowboys organization, never losing a game at the minor level.

“Jacob is one of the top receivers in all of Canada. He is tall, fast, and possesses great hands. He has the potential to play soon at the U Sports level,” stated Harris. “We (Calgary) have been watching Jacob play since his youth days,” Harris stated.

In addition to excelling in football, Jacob ran competitive track excelling in the sprint events. He was a member of Canada’s U18 team that competed in the International Bowl in Arlington, Texas in 2016. He was selected to the same team in 2017 but could not participate to due examination conflicts. He also was a member of Team Alberta earning all-star recognition at the Canada Cup.

The 6’3”, 205 lbs, 17-year old Izquierdo received recruiting information from the majority of U Sports schools narrowing his decision to Calgary and UBC but made no official visits.

“A lot of great players are here and are coming here. It is financially better, my parents can see me play and my friends are at Calgary,” stated Izquierdo who is an excellent student that will enroll in the Haskayne School of Business with a major in Accounting.

Jacob is the son of J.P. and Jill Izquierdo.