Education integral for Varsity Blues commits

Varsity Blues add three southern Ontario commits to their 2018 class.

Brandon Hoang, a linebacker from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School, is up for quite the adventure after signing with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Athlete Zac Janssen from Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School and receiver Brayden Harris from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School will also be joining the Varsity Blues.

Brandon Hoang

Never having lived in a metropolitan city, Brandon Hoang is about to have his whole world shaken. “I chose to commit to Toronto because it was something different first of all. I’ve never been in Toronto before and wanted to have a different experience because I’ve lived in a suburban environment all my life,” he said.

“The training facility is also really nice. I plan on spending all my free time there and the food is also good,” he added. “I’ve met a lot of good guys on the team. Toronto is also the best school in Canada for education; education is important.”

Courtesy of Brandon Hoang.

Hoang, who plans on studying criminology, knows that the Varsity Blues coaches won’t let him off the hook when it comes to his schooling. “They kept tabs on me the whole semester, making sure I’ve been keeping my grades up because I can’t play football if I have terrible grades, but they’ve been supporting me the whole time. They were the first school that scouted me and had me come out for a visit.”

It is no secret that Toronto is one of the most expensive places to live. Hoang said that he wants to see if he enjoys living in the city as a student first. “If I liked it enough, I might move there, who knows,” he added.

Hoang spent three years with the Our Lady of Lourdes Crusaders (D10) and will be entering his second season with the Waterloo Region Predators (OVFL). In 2016, he was the Crusaders’ most outstanding player. He is a two-time all-star. Last season, he was the Predators’ defensive lineman MVP and was the recipient of the Crusaders’ coach’s award. The 6’0, 245lbs product of Guelph also participated in the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge.

“I’ve only been playing football for three years and still feel very new and raw to the game, but I’m so glad to have the opportunity to play at the next level although it took countless hours of training and studying,” Hoang said. “I don’t doubt it’ll take twice or more hours to be able to compete in university.”

Zac Janssen

Zac Janssen played with the Jean Vanier Knights (HWCAA) as a running back. He is 5’11, 185lbs and is from Milton, Ontario.

Brayden Harris

Standing at 6’3, 170lbs, Brayden Harris played with the Cambridge Lions (OPFL) in his hometown of Cambridge, Ontario. He has taken part in the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge.

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