CARTER JOHNSON COMMITS TO THE DINOS

The University of Calgary football Dinos confirmed that offensive lineman Carter Johnson has committed to the University of Calgary for the 2018 season by signing a U Sports Letter of Intent.

Johnson brings with him a list of impressive credentials. He is a member of the Alberta U18 Provincial team and also a member of Canada’s U18 team that will compete in Dallas, Texas in January 2018.

“It is easy for me to stay at home. Calgary is a good program, I have friends and family here. I know where I want to be and it is Calgary,” stated the 17 year old 6’3”, 295 lbs. offensive lineman who is in his senior season at Henry Wise Wood High School.

Carter was a Calgary High School league all-star center last year as Grade 11 and has been a captain for the Warriors.

“Carter is a hard working young man. He is a smart football player with good instincts at center and has been a good leader at Wise Wood,” states Dinos Head Coach Wayne Harris.

A product of the Cyclones bantam and youth football program Johnson hopes to pursue a career in Arts or Kinesiology.

As well as playing football Carter participates in track and field with his events being the discus and shot put.

Both his father and grandfather are former football officials in Calgary officiated at the Canada West level.

He is the son of Kelsey and Nicole Johnson. 

DINOS SIGN OUTSTANDING FULLBACK:

Zach Newman wanted to follow in the footsteps and tradition of his uncle. The University of Calgary football Dinos are glad he wanted to.

The Dinos confirmed the signing of the 6’2”, 230 lbs. fullback when Newman signed a U Sports Letter of Intent in late September.

“I wanted to follow the legacy of the Newman name at the University of Calgary,” stated the Newman referring to his uncle Collin Newman, who was a stellar defensive cornerback for the Dinos from 1990-94 earning 2^nd team all-Canadian status in his senior season.

Newman has been on numerous championship teams during his youth career having played for the Cowboys organization. He earned all-star honors last season in the Calgary Midget Football League helping the Cowboys win the league championship last year.

“I was fortunate to play for coach Tony Spoletini,” in youth football Newman stated.

Newman has had an outstanding career playing for Coach Steve Maheu at Robert Thirsk helping the Comets capture the City Division II Championship. He has been a two-year starter at running back for the Comets and was named the Most Valuable Back as a grade 11 student last year. An excellent athlete, he also starts on the Comets’ senior basketball team.

Newman was a member of the Calgary Selects Bantam South Bowl team, and also played for the U16 Alberta team that competed in Arlington, Texas in January 2015.

“Calgary’s offense ran the position I want play which is the H Back and I like their style of offense,” stated Newman who spoke with Simon Fraser, McMaster, Alberta, and Ottawa but made no official visits to those schools.

“Zach is a big powerful back and will transition into either a tight end or fullback in our system. He is a very strong student and look forward to having him with our program,” stated recruiting coordinator Matt Berry.

Zach is the son of Kevan and Liesl Newman and will enroll in Haskayne School of Business pursuing a major in Accounting.

FIVE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADS PARTICIPATE IN LEAGUE OPENER FOR THE DINOS:

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.