Purple Reign splash (VIDEO)

Yates Cup Champions announce the addition of three transfers to 2014 recruiting class.

It might be the offseason; however, the defending Yates Cup Champions have made a significant recruiting splash.

Yesterday, the Western Mustangs announced the commitment of three transfers to the team’s 2014 class. Linebacker/Defensive Back Philippe N’Djore, 2012 CIS Rookie of the Year receiver Shaquille Johnson and former NCAA Division 1 cornerback Clay Harris II have all signed with the Mustangs for the 2014 OUA season.

With the addition of these three recruits, it will have an impact on the next CFC 2014 Team TOP 27 Class Recruiting Rankings.

“The CFC TOP 27 Recruiting Class Rankings are great for showing the importance of recruiting in sustaining success and/or building a program,” commented Mustangs Recruiting Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Chris Bertoia of the rankings.   “It adds an interesting spin on things and gets fan bases excited and informed about newcomers to their programs.”

“However, the true measure of a recruiting class is in Year 3, when the recruits mature and develop, it’s not easy to gauge where a 17 or 18 year old boy is going to be in three years. Every program has their own idea of strengths In players, if a recruit fits your team “mold” then you landed a great kid regardless of what everybody else thinks.”

PHILIPPE N’DJORE:

The 6’0, 203 pound linebacker/defensive back from Gatineau, Quebec joins the Mustangs after suiting up for RSEQ team, Bishop’s Gaiters from 2010-2013.

For N’Djore, the chance to compete for CIS supremacy with a strong football program was a major reason he opted to play his fifth and final year of eligibility with the Mustangs.

“University of Western Ontario is an excellent academic institution that boasts an elite football program with a great winning tradition,” explained N’Djore of his decision.  “They return most of their starters on a team that won the OUA in a convincing manner last season, and they are hungry to get back to the playoffs and make another run for the Vanier Cup.”

“They also lost three starting linebackers from last year’s defensive unit. With my experience playing at the CIS level in the RSEQ with the Bishop’s Gaiters, I feel this is a great opportunity for me to step in and compete for one of those starting jobs and help this team win the ultimate prize, a Vanier Cup.”

Previous to the Gaiters, the Quebec defensive standout played for CEGEP Division 1’s Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars from 2007-2009.

As for the Yates Cup Champions, the team is thrilled to have N’Djore as part of the Mustangs family.

“Phil N’Djore brings us athleticism and lots of quality football experience from being a part of the National Jr. Team to a multi-year starter at Bishop’s playing multiple positions,” commented Bertoia.  “He is a bright young man who is entering into a Master’s degree in Kinesiology-Sports Management.”

“Phil will help us immediately, his versatility and ability to play Sam linebacker, Boundary Half and Free Safety will have a positive impact on our defense. Phil has been training with our team all summer and has integrated himself into our locker room, we have high expectations for Phil this fall and we’re excited he decided to further his education with Western.”

SHAQUILLE JOHNSON:

The 6’0, 200 pound receiver from Brampton, Ontario previously played for RSEQ team, McGill Redmen.  During his time there, he was named 2012 CIS Rookie of the Year.

Johnson decided to transfer to the Mustangs for several different reasons.

“I choose Western because it is a great university and I love the city of London,” said Johnson.  “It is a place where I would fit in and be supported by the fellow players on the team as well as in school.”

“Western is a great school, with their football program and most importantly their academics.”

Moreover, there are a few goals the Ontario receiver would like to achieve on and off the field.

“What I’m looking forward to this upcoming fall with the Mustangs is to help in any possible way I can, to be along for a great exciting season approaching ahead, to make a push for the Yates Cup and then most importantly the Vanier Cup,” added Johnson.  “As well, I would like to be successful academically.”

Previous to the Redmen, Johnson has also played for the Notre Dame Knights of the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) Brampton Bulldogs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), and represented Canada on IFAF’s Team World squad.

Bertoia said the Mustangs are looking forward to the immediate impact Johnson will have not only on the offensive unit but also on special teams.

“We’re happy that Shaquille Johnson is enrolled in school for this September,” added the Mustangs Recruiting Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach.  “Shaq had an outstanding first year being named the CIS Rookie of the Year at McGill.”

“He is a special athlete who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Shaq will strengthen our receiving core and add depth to a strong positional group on our team. He’ll also add another resource to our special teams return game. We’re exciting to see Shaq shake off the rust and make an impact.”

CLAY HARRIS II:

The 5’11, 180 pound defensive back (cornerback) from West Henrietta, New York moves north of the border to join the Yates Cup Champions.

Harris has previously played for NCAA Division 1 team, Albany Great Danes.  Starting in 10 games in the 2013 season, the defensive back registered 29 tackles (including 20 solo tackles and two tackles for a loss).  Additionally, he ranked second on the team for kick returns as he amassed 246 yards on 13 returns (average of 18.9 yards per return). Harris also racked up five pass breakups last year.

During his high school career with Rush-Henrietta Royal Comets, Harris accumulated 3,842 rushing yards on 45 receptions and scored 62 rushing touchdowns.  Moreover, he amassed 1,247 return yards.  Among the honours he received during his time with the Royal Comets include NYSSWA Class ‘AA’ All-State Fifth Team Selection, Democrat & Chronicle All-Greater Rochester First Team Selection, All-Greater Rochester Second Team Selection and Section V Championship MVP.

“Clay Harris II comes to Western from Albany University; he has a few years of eligibility remaining and is a very good student,” commented Bertoia of Harris.  “Clay is an outstanding athlete and he has started/played at Albany over the last three seasons.”

“He is an outstanding cornerback and also returns kicks. He is physical and has outstanding speed. He earned All-State recognition in New York as a senior cornerback/running back. Clay comes from a great family and we’re excited he’s joining ours here at Western.”

Harris Photo Credit:  Cindy Schultz, TimesUnion.com

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