Gee-Gees land first #CFC100 recruit (VIDEO)

CEGEP quarterback joins OUA team’s 2016 class.

For Michael Arruda, the prospect of playing CIS football at home was too lucrative of an offer to pass up.

Recently, the 5’9, 165 pound quarterback from Gatineau, Quebec recently committed to the Ottawa Gee-Gees.  Arruda will join the team for the 2016 OUA season.

“Deep down, I always knew I wanted to play back home for university,” said Arruda.  “I am in my comfort zone; all my family and friends are here and I know if times are stressful, they will make it easier for me.”

Moreover, the pivot wants to be part of the positive new direction the Gee-Gees are heading under the leadership of Head Coach Jamie Barresi.

“The Gee-Gees are on the verge of turning the organization around and I want to help this team achieve their goals of winning the championship,” elaborated Arruda.  “Coach Barresi seems extremely competitive and I was excited to see how passionate he was of the game and wants nothing but excellence.”

Michael Arruda 2014 2

Arruda’s gridiron ascension began at the age of 10 with the Gatineau Vikings of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).

“I learned the basics of playing quarterback there in the NCAFA league,” added the offensive standout.

However, he gained even more attention once he began his high school career with Philemon Wright Falcons.

“I made my name by breaking records and winning the Bol D’or in grade 10,” recalled Arruda.  “I was invited to some camps, one being the week long camp of Bruno Heppel.”

“This is where I was first recruited to try out for Team Quebec; I ended up making the team and winning gold against Alberta.”

Michael Arruda

During this time, many CEGEP teams recruited Arruda.  Ultimately, the pivot opted for Division 1 team, Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars.

“Going to a Division 1 team was a dream of mine and Champlain recruited me the most and they got me,” reflected Arruda.  “The team spirit at Champlain is everything; we’re one family and it was as if I was at home.”

During his second year with the Cougars, Arruda became the starting quarterback and amassed 2450 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions.  Already this season, the offensive standout has racked up 1400 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in five games.

This past week, Arruda was ranked in the second edition of the #CFC100 CLASS 2016.

While he is close to completing his CEGEP career,  Arruda can’t help but think about his future with the Gee-Gees and is excited for what’s to come.

“I am an extremely competitive person and can’t wait to help get this organization a championship,” expressed the #CFC100.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)

 

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