Eclectic force

British Columbia standouts newest recruits join local CWUAA team’s 2014 class.

Three British Columbia standouts have chosen to begin their CIS careers in their home province.

Spencer Latu, Arjun Bhogal and Levi Hua are the newest UBC Thunderbirds.  All three players recently committed to the team for the 2014 CWUAA season.

SPENCER LATU:

It has been a different journey for the 6’3, 270 pound offensive lineman from Richmond, British Columbia.  Ultimately, the journey led him to realizing his ultimate goal.

“I committed to UBC because UBC was my first choice and the dream university coming out of high school,” recalled Latu.  “However, I did not have the grades to make it into the Faculty of Arts.”

“I was in the graduating class of 2012 and have been attending Langara College but went through the process to be recruited by UBC all this time later, because I love football more than anything in the world.”

Furthermore, he was inspired by his younger sibling who also recently committed to the Thunderbirds. Overall, Latu is grateful for the opportunity that the Thunderbirds have given him.

“My brother William Latu’s successes on the football field inspired me to give playing football another shot considering all the adversity he had to overcome to earn a scholarship to UBC,” added the offensive lineman.  “I appreciate Coach (Shawn) Olson for giving me a shot as a walk-on on this team.”

“From my short time with the team, all the players have been very welcoming and all the coaches I have talked to and worked with are excellent.”

Previous to his enrollment at Langara College, Latu played high school football for Vancouver College Fighting Irish of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).

Thunderbirds Head Coach Shawn Olson is looking forward to having Latu as part of the fold.

“Spencer is the older brother of Will Latu,” commented Olson.  “Spencer displays an insatiable appetite to improve and work at football.”

“That combined with good size and athleticism makes him a very intriguing prospect for us.  I really look forward to seeing how he does over the next year, but I think he will be an outstanding Thunderbird for the next five years.”

ARJUN BHOGAL:

The 6’3, 245 pound defensive lineman from Mission, British Columbia said it wasn’t a hard decision about where he would commence his CIS career.

“I’m really excited about my commitment to UBC,” said Bhogal.  “It was an easy decision aside from their players and coaching staff, the academics and campus are among the top in Canada.”

“The new weight room where I’ll be spending a lot of time is impressive and was a part of my decision!”

Bhogal previously played for the Mission Roadrunners of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).  This past season was a tough one for the defensive lineman.

“I tore my MCL in our third exhibition game and unfortunately was unable to play this year,” expressed Bhogal who up until that point was leading the team in both tackles and sacks.

Despite the minor setback, the Thunderbirds see tremendous upside in Bhogal.

“Heading into his grade 12 year, we believed Arjun was one of the most talented defensive linemen in the province,” said Olson.  “Unfortunately, his season was cut short early on with a knee injury.”

“That did not change our belief that he has a very bright future in football.  He has a large frame and is fluid and natural athlete.  With some added strength and weight I am convinced Arjun will be a dominant force in our Interior Defensive Line for years to come.”

LEVI HUA:

The 6’1, 285 defensive tackle from Abbotsford, British Columbia recently guided the W.J. Mouat Hawks of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA) to their third consecutive Provincial ‘AAA’ Championship.

“Over the past two years Levi has been one of the most dominant forces for WJ Mouat High School.,” commented Olson.  “Physically, he is ready to play at the college level with a 300lb + bench press and 400lb + squat.”

“Levi is the massive 1 tech that we have been looking for over the last couple years and I believe he has an opportunity to develop quickly to a player at the College level.”

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