Bishop’s Gaiters commits have faith in coaches’ plans

Bishop’s adds two provincial commits and two international commits to their Class of 2018.

At a relatively young age, defensive back Thomas Paquelet and wide receiver Melvin Palin from Cégep de Victoriaville decided to move to Canada to attend cégep, and, after finding success on the gridiron, they will be here for another four to five years with the Bishop’s Gaiters.

Running back Phillipe Lessard and defensive lineman Alexandre Breton from Cégep de Victoriaville are also joining the Gaiters.

Thomas Paquelet

Thomas Paquelet isn’t from Canada, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot. Content in his chosen country, he is excited to continue his stay with the Gaiters. “I believe in this program. I think the Gaiters are going to be really good,” he said. “I believe in the coaches (too). They have a lot of experience and I’m sure they will take us far.”

Before testing the waters of Canadian football, Paquelet lined up with Les Dragons Noirs de Draguignan for two years and Les Dauphins de Nice for one year while in his native France. With Les Dragons Noirs, he was a regional champion in 2015. The following year, Les Dauphins were vice-champions of the elite division. He was selected as a member of the Mediterranean regional team, which competed in the Junior Bowl.

Born in Câlons-en-Champagne, France, he came to Canada to play cégep ball with Les Vulkins du Cégep de Victoriaville (RSEQ Division 3). The 5’9, 200lbs halfback and safety is interested in sports studies.

Finally, fourth Member of Cegep de Victoriaville chooses BU football as French native DB, Thomas Paquelet commits to BU football #gaiternation #bleedpurple pic.twitter.com/CbK2IluhHR

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 12, 2017

Melvin Palin

Before Melvin Palin packed up his bags and flew across the Atlantic, the product of Quimper, France, wasn’t sure what the future held for him. “I played in the lowest level in France just before coming to Canada, so, today I’m proud to become a U Sports player. All is possible when you believe in your dreams,” he said.

“I chose Bishop’s because I love the team’s projects. I think it’s a great place to study and play football,” the potential sports studies student added. “I think that Bishop’s has a great coaching staff and I believe in them and their future projects. I can’t wait to practice with them.”

Palin played with Les Kelted de Quimper before joining Les Filons du Cégep de Thetford (RSEQ Division 2) in 2015. He then transferred to Les Vulkins in 2016. He was a Division 3 champion with Les Filons in 2015. This season, the 6’2, 175lbs athlete was an all-star receiver.

Great news. All-Star receiver from Victoriaville Melvin Palin commits to BU football. https://t.co/s3QQBG8Slf pic.twitter.com/hT58x98DA8

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 12, 2017

Philippe Lessard

Philippe Lessard stands at 5’8, 170lbs and is from Varennes, Québec, which is an off-island suburb of Montréal. He has played with Les Vulkins since 2014.

Another Victoriaville player, RB Philippe Lessard joins BU football backfield. #gaiternation #bleedpurple https://t.co/KTtDmoDKgJ pic.twitter.com/j0McG4ybcQ

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 12, 2017

Alexandre Breton

Originally from Victoriaville, Québec, Alexandre Breton spent his career with Les Vulkins as a tackle and centre. Standing at 6’4, 305lbs, he has been with Les Vulkins since 2013.

Exciting news as All-Star Alexandre Breton, a 6’4, 305 lbs, offensive linemen from Victoriaville, commits to BU football. #bleedpurple #gaiternation pic.twitter.com/MNc0eN5QQR

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 12, 2017