#CFC100 Addae: “If I hit the ground running…then I will see immediate playing time” (VIDEO)

This past weekend was the game changer in the recruitment process for #CFC100 Alonzo Addae.

For the 5’10, 175 pound defensive back from Pickering, Ontario, he met his future destiny and opted to verbally commit to NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, University of New Hampshire Wildcats.

“After taking my official visit this past weekend, it was clear that UNH was the place for me,” recalled Addae.  “I had already built a great relationship with the coaching staff but seeing the campus and being around the guys on the team was big for me.”

“After this weekend, I realized how much of a family atmosphere UNH and how much the school not only is a great football program but educationally has a strong business school which is what I will be majoring in.”

Throughout the recruiting process, the defensive standout gained a lot of interest.  In addition to the Wildcats, Addae also received offers from FCS teams Austin Peay Governors and North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

Additionally, two NCAA teams were heavily engaged with the #CFC100 recruit – Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team University of Buffalo Bulls and FCS squad Villanova Wildcats.

Ultimately, Addae chose the Wildcats for a couple of specific reasons.

“For me, it was just about finding people who believe in me, a school I am comfortable at and a good education,” explained the Ontario defensive back.  “I finished with UNH, who was the only school to offer me my post grade year.”

Overall, there is more ease for Addae now that he knows where the next leg of his gridiron journey will begin.

“It is a huge relief to know where I will be going to university next year and I am just really blessed to have been able to receive full scholarship offers where now my parents don’t have to pay for my education,” added the #CFC100.

This fall, Addae completed a stint with Peddie School, a New Jersey prep school where he suited up for the Falcons.

Twice this year, the defensive back was included in the #CFC100 CLASS 2016 RANKINGS.

Addae began his gridiron journey in grade nine.  Among the teams he has suited up for include Ajax-Pickering Dolphins of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and his high school team, St. Mary Monarchs of the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (LOSSAA).

During his time with the Monarchs, the #CFC100 guided the team to an OFSAA Bowl win.

Throughout his career, the defensive back has been recognized for his play with several honours including two consecutive OVFL All Star selections (2013, 2014), Monarchs Defensive MVP and LOSSAA Championship MVP.

Moreover, Addae has represented his home province as a member of Team Ontario at the Football Canada Cup, where he helped the team to a bronze medal in Moncton, New Brunswick (2013) and a gold medal in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (2015).  Additionally, the defensive back has been part of Team Canada’s under-18 junior national squad.

With the focus on his next gridiron destination, Addae will be training hard in the hopes of making an early impact with the Wildcats.

“Going forward, I will continue my training regimen getting in the best physical shape I can,” described the defensive back.  “I will run track in the spring here at Peddie competing in 100m 200m and 4×100 relay.”

“I will also be going to San Diego once the school year is finished to train with my older cousin Jahleel Addae who plays safety for the Chargers. I will be able to go into UNH and compete to play. If I hit the ground running and beat out the returning players, then I will see immediate playing time.”

However, the #CFC100 recruit acknowledges that it may be tough to crack the lineup in his rookie campaign.  Despite that, he is optimistic of his chances.

“If it’s apparent that I will only be seeing limited snaps, the coaching staff assured me they will redshirt me so that I’ll be able to play a full freshman season with high reps,” commented Addae, who will also play on special teams as a punt/kick return specialist.  “At this point, there is only one scholarship athlete at both corner and free Safety which is where they see me fitting in.”

“Honestly just blessed;  I understand that a lot of people love to have the hype being D1A, but if you look at the league (NFL) right now, defensive backs are coming from anywhere D1A,D1AA,D2,D3,CFL etc.”

While he has worked extremely hard to realize his gridiron dream, it is not lost on the #CFC100 recruit that several individuals played an important role in getting him to this juncture in his gridiron career.

“I just want to thank my parents for being there for me,” expressed Addae.  “My dad especially has been there day in and day out with the football side of things and my mom making sure I’ve been taking care of the education side of things.”

“I’d also like to thank my head coach here at Peddie Coach Malleo who turned me into not only a much better player mentally and physically but a better man. Another shout to my older cousin Jahleel Addae who helped make my decision smoother.”

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)