Acadia announces commited recruits from Ottawa, Halifax and Canada West

WOLFVILLE, NS – The Acadia Axemen football team have been running hard on the recruiting trail since their 2011 AUS championship season with an early announcement of committed players from local and distant high school and junior football programs who will arrive on the Wolfville campus in the early fall of 2012.

Head coach Jeff Cummins is pleased with his first round of recruits who have decided to make Acadia University their home of choice for the next four academic years.

“Once the football season ended, the recruiting season began and my outstanding staff of assistant coaches have been on the move ever since last September. This group of exceptional players, who have made an early commitment of attending Acadia and joining our team, will add competition to an existing conference champion”

The first round of recruits includes nine from the Ottawa region, four from the Halifax Region and two from Western Canada.

Suleiman Semalulu – 5’9”, 180 lbs. – Cornerback – (Gatineau, Que.)
Suleiman is a versatile, athletic corner that comes to Acadia by way of Lennoxville, QC where he was a starter for the Champlain Cougars in 2010, prior to starting for the Ottawa Sooners this past season. The Gatineau native has athleticism, strength, and coverage abilities to see the field early in his career, and will bring needed depth to the Axemen secondary.

Will Wojcik – 5’9, 175 lbs. – Defensive Back – (Orleans, Ont.)
Will Wojcik has the versatility to play any position in the defensive secondary for Acadia. An Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) All-Star for the Cumberland Panthers, Will also started for team Ontario East in last summer’s Canada Cup. Will is an extremely athletic, rangy, and intelligent football player who will be a mainstay in the defensive secondary for years to come

Harrison Da Costa – 5’10”, 185 lbs. – Defensive Back (Ottawa, Ont.)
Harrison Da Costa was another member of Team Ontario East that will be suiting up this fall for the Axemen. Harrison is an extremely physical defensive back that is athletic enough to cover and play in space and tenacious enough to come into the box and be a factor in stopping the run. He has the skill set that fits in perfectly with the Axemen defense and has the ability to see the field early and often in the fall of 2012

Prenel Cave – 6’1”, 190 lbs. – Defensive Back (Ottawa, Ont.)
Prenel Cave is an outstanding defensive back/returner that will add needed speed to the Axemen defense and special teams. An OFC Defensive All-Star with the Ottawa Sooners, Prenel also lead the OFC in punt return yards. He is recognized for his intensity and competitive style of play. Prenel will be an exciting addition to the Axemen that brings big play potential at any time.

Chris Fanning – 6’3″ 285 lbs. – Offensive Line (Ottawa, Ont.)
Chris has been an All-Star for every team he has played for, from high school to OVFL, and was named the outstanding lineman at the AIA All-Star game in Eastern Ontario. He is very strong for a young man and has a mean streak that should help him compete early at the CIS level.

Kevin Conquest – 6’5”, 315 lbs. – Offensive Line (Ottawa, Ont.)
Kevin will be joining the 2012 Axemen after being recruited for much of last season. He was a starter in the Eastern Ontario AIA All-Star game at left tackle, which only goes to show his agility for a big man. Kevin should fit in well with Acadia’s downhill run game and will expected to play early in his career.

Nick Gorgichuk – 6′, 190 lbs. – Quarterback (Ottawa, Ont.)
Nick will be joining the Axemen this fall after playing for the Myers Riders of the OVFL and starting for Team Ontario East at the 2011 Canada Cup in Lethbridge. Nick is a very athletic quarterback who has also played receiver in his career. He is a great thrower on the move but showcased the ability to be a highly effective pocket passer as well. Nick will be a great addition to the 2012 Axemen where he will compete and push to dress early.

Josh Evans – 6’5”, 270 lbs. – Offensive Line (Niagara Falls, Ont.)
Josh was a starter for the Niagara Spears of the OVFL in 2011 where he played for former Axeman Steve Patrick. Josh has experience playing at all spots across the offensive line which, along with his large stature, should help him compete for playing time sooner rather than later at Acadia.

De’Shawn States – 5’11”, 170 lbs. – Defensive Back – (Dartmouth, N.S.)
De’Shawn is a Nova Scotia product was a two way starter for the Dartmouth High Spartans. He combines a natural athletic ability and an intense desire to be the best that all he does. De’Shawn is a NSAFF All-Star, and a member of team Nova Scotia. Regarded as one of the best defensive backs in Nova Scotia, we are excited that he has chosen to stay home and join the Axemen family.

Marcus MacIsaac – 6’3”, 265 lbs. – Offensive Line (Elmsdale, N.S.)
Marcus followed a stellar 2011 Canada Cup as a starter for Team Nova Scotia with an All-Star selection this past season as a member of the Lockview Dragons. Marcus moves very well for his size which adds tremendous upside to what should be a great CIS career.

Bennett Gaskin – 6’4”, 280 lbs. – Offensive Line (Halifax, N.S.)
Bennett has decided to join the Axemen after a spectacular high school career in which his team, the Citadel Phoenix, won 4 provincial championships. Bennett was a member of Team Nova Scotia in the 2010 Canada Cup played in Wolfville and was is a two time Nova Scotia high school football All-Star. He will be expected to get on the field early.

Brian Jones – 6’4”, 215 lbs. – Receiver (Grande Lake, N.S.)
Brian was a member and a starter of Team Nova Scotia at the 2011 Canada Cup where he was awarded offensive player of the game against Saskatchewan. He followed up his Canada Cup performance with an All-Star selection while playing for the Lockview High School Dragons this past fall. Brian is a tall, athletic and physical receiver who has the skill set to be an early impact player

Harland Hastings – 5’ 11”, 165 lbs. Defensive Back (Calgary, Alta.)
Harland is a nationally competitive gymnast who got a late start on the gridiron and became a Calgary Division 2 All-Star in his first season. He is a great athlete that will mature into a great player for the Axemen.

Matt Davidson – 6’6”, 285 lbs. – Offensive Line – (Kamloops, B.C.)
Matt will be transferring to Acadia after signing and dressing with Simon Fraser 2 years ago and starting at left tackle for the Kamloops Broncos this past season. He has very good feet for a big man and will be expected to push to get on the field early in his Acadia career.