At York, ‘no man is left behind’

York adds two GTA commits to their 2018 class.

Defensive back Brandon Owusu from Michael Powers High School and defensive lineman Dylan Benn from Donald A. Wilson Secondary School want nothing more than to see their new team, the York Lions, thrive.

Brandon Owusu

When Brandon Owusu from Toronto, Ontario, was browsing schools, there was something he believed was missing from the Lions. “I committed to York because I wanted to go somewhere that I could make a serious impact and contribute,” he said. “I felt York needed some home talent and the idea of staying at home and helping turn this program into a playoff team and a Yates Cup contender was something that really appealed to me.”

Owusu won’t be alone on his quest. He will have a whole coaching staff and team backing him. “I really respect and enjoy the way York’s coaching staff holds themselves. It’s all about growth and team with them,” he said. “No man is left behind. We all grown together in order to win together and that’s something the York coaches truly preach.”

The 5’9, 175lbs athlete spent three years with the Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL) and four with the Michael Powers/Saint Joseph Trojans (TDCAA). He is a four-time high school champion and a three-time captain from grade 10 to 12. Last summer, he helped the Eagles win an OVFL championship. He was a MVP in grade 10 and was an overall team MVP in 2017. He has competed in two OFSAA Bowls.

For Owusu, who is interested in taking law and society, the season couldn’t begin fast enough. He said, “I’m really excited to get into the York playbook and I know that as soon as training camps starts it’s all business and it’s time to earn my spot.”

Dylan Benn

While playing for an up-and-coming team is not without its challenges, Dylan Benn is ready for whatever may come. “I chose York because they are developing their program, meaning they’re going to focus a lot on guys like me,” he said. “The coaching staff is very organized and serious about football.”

Benn is from the other side of Toronto where he played with the Donald A. Wilson Gators (LOSSAA) in Whitby, Ontario. He also played with the Pickering Dolphins (OPFL) and the Oshawa Hawkeyes (OPFL). The 6’4, 250lbs defensive end is interested in taking business economies.

Welcome 6’5 280lbs DT Dylan Benn from Donald Wilson SS and the Durham Dolphins. DL is shaping up nicely! @yorkulions #LionPride pic.twitter.com/Hnx71JHrs6

— Warren Craney (@YULionsFootball) March 7, 2018