The University of Manitoba Bisons Football program is pleased to announce their first local commitments of the 2016 class with a pair of players from Dakota Collegiate, Colby Kyliuk and Conor Nedelec.
Bison Head Coach Brian Dobie knows the importance of local recruiting. “I think you can see the two best examples in recent years are Nic Demski and Theo Deezar. Both players are Winnipeg products at the same two positions and Nic had a fabulous career for us, while Theo continues to be one of the top QBs in the CIS. Winnipeg certainly produces its fair share of football talent and we are happy to add these two young men to our program.”
Colby is a 6’2″, 200# QB from Dakota Collegiate in Winnipeg’s south end. In addition to his stellar high school career, he was also on Manitoba’s Canada Cup, where he was unfortunately sidelined by injury. Colby has also been active at camps and 7v7 tournaments around Canada and the US. Off the field, Colby is a star basketball player but also most impressively holds a 4.0 GPA and has often been recognized for his performance as a scholar-athlete.
Colby has a family connection to the Bisons; his father Ken was a 2-sport Bison in football and basketball from 1979-1983, winning several awards, including being named to the conference all-star basketball team in 81-82 and 82-83, and also being the Bison team MVP in those years. Since then Ken has been very involved in the Winnipeg sports community as a coach and parent. Colby hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps at the U of M. “I’m excited to join, what I feel, is the top University Football Program in the Nation. Being a Bison means I will be following my Dad’s footsteps, who played football and basketball for the Herd back in the late 70’s & 80’s. I feel they have an excellent coaching staff and I can’t wait to get to work with them. I’m looking forward to be a part of the great culture at U of M”.
Bison QB Coach John Makie is no stranger to Colby’s development and has a relationship with the entire Kyliuk family. ”I am extremely proud to see Colby become a Bison and I am happy for the entire Kyliuk family. Colby has a solid frame and is a very gifted athlete. He has an excellent work ethic and possesses the leadership qualities required as a quarterback. I am looking forward to continuing working with Colby as a Bison.”
Conor Nedelec, also from the Dakota Lancers, is a 6’2″, 205 pound receiver who is expected to continue growing. This year he averaged 14 yards per reception as the primary deep threat for the Lancers, fitting for a player named in pre-season as a WHSFL Top 10 player.
Conor attributes his success to his work ethic as he talks about his decision. ”I am very excited to become part of thew UofM Bisons. After a lot of hard work it’s great to go to the next level with such a talented team and great coaches.”
Bisons receivers coach Blair Atkinson has worked with Conor and knows the potential Conor brings to the program. ”I’m excited for Conor to be a Bison. His big frame and work ethic make him a top local recruit for us this year. He will continue to develop as a receiver and as a person in our program.”
”Local recruiting is the backbone of our program, and Manitoba boys make up the better part of our roster, including some of our biggest names in recent years,” explains Chris Clement, recruiting co-ordinator for the Bisons, “Conor plays with a style that could be compared to current star receiver Alex Vitt, and we hope he can bring a similar combination of toughness and talent. Although injuries robbed Colby of much of his grade 11 season and of the opportunity to perform at Canada Cup, our coaches have always felt strongly about him and his grade 12 season was certainly a breakout year for him.”
Each player is the first commitment of his position, and they are the second and third Manitoba commitments, following the commitment of CJFL All-Canadian Anthony Daley.
Source: Chris Clement, Manitoba Bisons
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