DINOS SIGN OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE BACK PROSPECT:

University of Calgary Dinos would like to announce the signing of defensive back Josh Quarles to a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent.

Quarles, who attended Henry Wisewood High School in Calgary played defensive halfback for Cody Ehrmann for the Warriors. He graduated from Grade 12 in 2015 but elected to take a year of off school to focus on academics and will enrol at the University of Calgary in 2016 but is undecided what academic path he will pursue.

“Josh is a very athletic and smart football player. He is also very physical and is reminiscent of current CanWest Defensive Player of the Year in Robbie Woodson,” states recruiting coordinator Matt Berry. Quarles will play halfback with the Dinos and with his outstanding athleticism can be used on special teams.

Last year the 5’10”, 185lbs. Quarles was ranked in the Canada Football Chat Top 100. He was a member of the Alberta U18 team at the Canada Cup and a member of Team Canada at the International Bowl in Texas in January 2015. In 2013 Josh was a Calgary Midget Football all-star while playing for the Bulldogs.

An outstanding athlete, Josh excelled in track and field before concentrating on football. He was ranked third in Canada in the hurdles when he was in Grade 9.

“Calgary has a really good program overall. I wanted to stay at home and liked the support the coaching staff provided me,” Quarles stated. Quarles was contacted by Alberta, UBC, and York pursued Josh but he declined to make any visits.

Quarles is familiar with the Dinos and has assisted in filming practices this year when time has permitted.

Josh is the son of Sherrie Bosch and former Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bernard Quarles who played for the Stamps for two years, 1983-84. Quarles played with current University of Calgary coach Greg Vavra with the Stampeders.

Hopkins a Dino

University of Calgary Dinos proudly welcome Defensive Back Ronnie Hopkins Jr. to their 2016 recruiting class. At a recent post-game event Ronnie signed a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent to play for the team in 2016.

A graduate of the Henry Wisewood High School in Calgary, Hopkins was a member of Team Alberta this past summer starting at cornerback at the U18 Canada Cup tournament. Ronnie was also Calgary Midget football all-star and as well as an all-star with the Calgary Bantam Stampeders.

The 6’, 165 lbs. Hopkins has been around the University of Calgary program attending various development camps. Ronnie was coached by former University of Calgary defensive back Cody Ehrmann at Wisewood and follows the list of outstanding defensive backs from the Warriors to the Dinos that currently includes Conference All-Star Hunter Turnbull.

Ronnie plans to take Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and combining that with pursuit of an Education degree, in hopes of one day being a teacher.

“I felt a great foundation was present in Calgary. Everyone that I met with the program showed kindness and I wanted to live at home while I went to university,” stated Hopkins who was recruited by numerous in the CIS such as UBC, York and Alberta. “I also am familiar with Coaches Harris and Rapini and from speaking with former Wisewood players like Brendan Hansen that are with the Dinos they enjoy playing for the coaches,” adds Hopkins.

Secondary coach Marcello Rapini is excited about having Hopkins join the program. “Ronnie has excellent skills for a young player and I look forward to working and developing him,” states Rapini.

Ronnie’s father, Ron Hopkins played for the Calgary Stampeders from 1983 through 1991 and his mother is Lauren Palmer.

Big Addition to the Backfield

The University of Calgary football Dinos confirmed outstanding running back Robert Stewart has signed a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent and will join the Dinos for the 2016 football season.

Regarded as one of the premier running backs not only in Calgary but Canada, Robert played for the Centennial Coyotes in Calgary under Coach Garth Melrose. Numerous schools across the country such as UBC, Acadia, Alberta, and Queens but the 6’1”, 195 lbs. but Stewart elected to remain in Calgary.

“I wanted to remain at home with my family and go to school here. I like the way Calgary has developed running backs in the past. This is best opportunity for me to develop,” Stewart stated about his decision to remain at home. “Calgary has an outstanding overall program,” he added.

Offensive Coordinator Ryan Sheahan is excited about having Stewart join the program.

“Robert has the size and ability to be an impact player in the CIS. His style reminds us of current running Mercer Timmis,” states Sheahan.

Stewart was a Calgary Midget football association all-star in 2015 and won numerous leadership and performance awards during his tenure at Centennial High School. Robert elected not play for the Alberta Provincial team last year at the Canada Cup focusing on academics. He will enrol in either the Haskayne School of Business or the Faculty of Arts studying Economics.

Robert is the son of Tom and Sue Stewart.

Robert Stewart Highlight Film