Part of the
University of Calgary Dinos excellent recruiting class was on display Friday
evening in Edmonton against the University of Alberta Golden Bears. According
to Canada Football Chat the Dinos were rated with the nation’s number one
recruiting class.
Due to five
players making Canadian Football League rosters, training camp injuries, and
some a couple of players opting not to pursue football in 2017 no less than eight
rookies were a part of the Dinos 45-man travel roster.
What is unique
is that all eight players are graduates of the Calgary High School
system or the immediate surrounding area.
“They (first
year players) were a talented group coming in. These players have worked hard
since they have been here and earned the right to be in the lineup,” states
Defensive Coordinator Matt Berry who was instrumental in scouting and
recruiting the players.
Receiver Jacob
Izquierdo and offensive lineman Logan Bandy played for the 2016 Calgary and Provincial 4A
Champion St. Francis Browns. Notre Dame Pride graduates suiting up are
defensive back Deane Leonard and offensive tackle Tyler Packer. Defensive Jack
Burns and linebacker Devon Derouin come from the Henry Wise Wood Warriors. Receiver
Kevon John-Clarke played for the St. Mary’s Saints while linebacker Daniel
Tietz is a graduate of Springbank High School which is just outside the Calgary city limits.
Leonard and
Izquierdo are sons of former CFL players, with Deane being the son of Kenton
Leonard and Jacob the son of former University
of Calgary all-Canadian
tailback who played seven professional seasons.
“Having these
players suit up so early in their varsity careers speaks to the strength of Calgary High School
football and the outstanding coaches involved,” Berry stated.
“This is a dream
come true,” stated Burns when told he would dressing who expects his family to
make the trek to Edmonton.
For Izquierdo
the mood is one of excitement. “I am excited to see my first league action,” he
stated.
