FOOTBALL DINOS SIGN PROMISING DEFENSIVE LINEMAN FROM VERNON

The University of Calgary football Dinos continues to make inroads into the Central Okanagan in building their roster.

Head Coach Wayne Harris confirmed that defensive end Josh Hyer has signed a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent to attend the University of Calgary in the fall of 2017. Hyer, who will graduate from Vernon Secondary School in this coming June joins fellow Panther alum, linebacker Carson Labrecque on the roster. Labrecque joined the Dinos this past year but is being redshirted due to injury in 2016.

“Josh has been on our radar for the past couple of years. He was at our development camp this past summer. I have had the opportunity to watch him live a few times the past three years,” states recruiting coordinator Matt Berry. “He comes from an excellent program under Coach Sean Smith at VSS,” Berry added.

Harris was present for the signing of the 6’3”, 235 lbs. Hyer at Vernon Secondary School in early October.

Hyer plans to study business courses at the University of Calgary.

“I liked the chemistry with the coaches and players at the University of Calgary and felt welcome,” stated the 17-year old Hyer who was the Dinos summer camp in early August. “Calgary was a good match and was the top school on my list,” Hyer stated who was approached by other schools but made it known he wanted to play for the Dinos.

"Josh is an outstanding athlete. He's been at our summer camps and we noticed his ability to get off the ball. He uses his hands well and runs to the ball well. He reminds us of Cory Robinson, who is an all-Canadian on our team right now. He's got the same skill set coming out of high school,” states Harris.

“I owe a lot to my family and Coach Smith,” stated Hyer who has an older brother that plays safety for the Kamloops Broncos in the British Columbia Football Conference.

Josh is the son of James Hyer and Heid Astin.

DAN TEITZ JOINS THE DINOS FOR 2017

Daniel Teitz always wanted a chance to play football with his older brother Micah Teitz. His wish will be granted in 2017.

The University of Calgary Dinos confirmed the signing of linebacker Daniel Teitz to a Canadian Interuniversity Letter of Intent.

Teitz, a 6’, 205 lbs. linebacker is a product from the Falcons program of the Calgary Minor Football Association who will graduate from Springbank High School in June 2017. Daniel was a Rockyview Football League all-star last year and was his team’s Most Valuable Player as well as the MVP for the Falcons of the Calgary Midget Football League.

A starting member of the Alberta U18 team for the past two years Daniel is familiar with the Dinos football program seeing his older brother, who was a Canada West all-star and CIS second team all-Canadian in 2015.

“I felt Calgary was the place for me. I have seen my brother play here (Calgary) and know the expectations,” stated Teitz who will enter the Faculty of Kinesiology. “I grew up around the program so I know how it (the program) works and I like the family atmosphere with the team. I knew this was the place for me,” states Teitz who was recruited by McGill, Manitoba, Alberta and Queens but did not make any official recruiting visits.

Head Coach Wayne Harris is delighted with Teitz’s decision to the join the Dinos.

“Daniel is an outstanding linebacker with great range and mobility. He had an outstanding Canada Cup with the Alberta U18 team,” Harris stated.

Daniel is the son of Martin and Hope Teitz of Springbank, AB.

FOOTBALL DINOS RECEIVE COMMITMENT FROM OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE LINE PROSPECT:

The University of Calgary football Dinos confirmed defensive lineman Justin Sambu has signed a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent and will attend the U of C beginning in the fall of 2017.

Sambu, who graduated from Cochrane High School in 2016 as a 17-year old is currently with the Calgary Colts of the Prairie Junior Football Conference.

The 6’3”, 265 lbs. Sambu had a distinguished High School career playing for Rob McNab despite being one of the youngest players in the Rockyview League. He started for the Cobras for three seasons and was a member of two Provincial Championship teams. He was also a member of the Alberta U18 provincial team in 2015 and a member of the South team in the 2016 Senior Bowl.

Sambu also distinguished himself on the international stage. He was a starting member of the Canadian team that competed in the 2016 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas that defeated a United States all-star High School team.

University of Calgary Head Coach Wayne Harris is elated to receive a commitment from Sambu.

“Justin is one of the most outstanding defensive linemen in all of Canada. He is a big, strong young player that will continue to get better,” states Harris of Sambu who was ranked 11th in Canada by the Canada Football Chat scouting service of graduating High School seniors last year.

Sambu received numerous overtures to attend various NCAA and CIS schools included North Dakota and Missouri in the NCAA as well as a multitude of CIS schools that included UBC, Regina, Carleton, and Alberta.

“Calgary is my favorite CIS team. It is home for me and I always wanted to play here,” stated Sambu who will pursue courses in the Faculty of Kinesiology.

Justin is the son of Lesley Sambu who attended the University of Calgary.