Commits from Quebec, Manitoba join SMU

Huskies welcome two out-of-province commits to their team.

They may have had different paths to reach the Saint Mary’s Huskies, but both Griffin Shillingford, a receiver transfer from Mount Allison University and Chika Uzor, a receiver from Canada Prep share similar sentiments about their new team.

Griffin Shillingford

During his time with the Mount Allison Mounties, Griffin Shillingford fell in love with the east coast. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, he has decided to continue his schooling out in the Maritimes.

“I decided to transfer from Mount Allison University as I believe the Saint Mary’s Huskies are on their way to big things in the AUS. Saint Mary’s has always been a team with a lot of talented players and what intrigued me was the opportunity to compete. I believe that SMU has an eye for talent and they are more than willing to put the best players on the field,” he said.

While the ten-year veteran looks to further hone his craft, he will now be doing so under the guidance of what he calls “a very knowledgeable group with a lot of coaching experience under their belts.”

Standing at 6’1, 175lbs, the former Winnipeg Rifle (CJFL) is looking forward to playing for the Huskies coaching staff. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to play under Head Coach Colzie. Based on his resume, I already have the ultimate respect for him. Being a former (NCAA) division one football player at Florida State himself, I know he recognizes talent when he sees it,” Shillingford said.

Shillingford is currently in his second year of Psychology. When he attends SMU, he will continue to major in Psychology while minoring in Criminology. Shillingford’s new home will be a different pace than that of his old one in Sackville, New Brunswick. “The city of Halifax is a beautiful place. Halifax is a very vibrant medium sized city with endless things to do,” he said.

The 20-year-old spent his high school days with the Kelvin Clippers (Winnipeg High School Football League). In 2012, he was a WHSFL champion. Two years later, he was part of team All-Manitoba. In 2015-2016, he was the Mounties developmental player of the year.

Chika Uzor

Unlike his Winnipeg counterpart, Chika Uzor has not lived out on the east coast. Originally from Montréal, he spent some time in Ontario playing with the Canada Prep Raiders. But, it probably won’t take him long to get used to his new surroundings.

“Head Coach Colzie and Coach Tufford are great people and made me feel like (I was) home during the visit. Halifax is a great city. I loved my stay and the students and players at SMU made me love the place,” he said.

“I met Coach Colzie for the first time and I immediately respected him. You can tell he is a great coach and a man of his words. He has a great experience in the game,” Uzor added. “The coaching staff is great and they have a professional system. They run their program like an NCAA program.”

Prior to his days with the Raiders, the towering 6’5, 215lbs athlete played with the Vanier Cheetahs (RSEQ Division 1) in cégep and La Milice de la Magdeleine (RSEQ) in high school. He also suited up for the LaSalle Warriors (Québec Midget Football League). He is interested in either taking Engineering or Business.