Etobicoke Ram joins hometown Toronto Varsity Blues

Varsity Blues bring in a local commit to their Class of 2017.

Daniel Diodati, a slot receiver from the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, will be heading into the heart of Toronto after signing with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

When Etobicoke resident Diodati enters the UofT locker room, he will be playing for something bigger than himself. “One of the biggest things that appealed to me is that not only do I get to represent my city as a Varsity Blue, but I would get to stay in Toronto with my family,” he said.

It helped that on his first visit, the campus opened up its arms to him. “I felt right at home,” Diodati said. “The players, coaches and students were very welcoming to me and truly give me a taste of a Varsity Blue lifestyle.”

Diodati added that he chose UofT because of its excellent facilities and for the fact that it is one of the best academic schools in North America. He will be entered sociology with the hopes of becoming either a teacher, police officer or social worker.

After spending five years with the Etobicoke Rams (Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association), the 5’9, 155lbs athlete is ready to get to work with the Varsity Blues’ coaches. “I feel like they can prepare me for my future off the field to be a better man,” he said. “With all the CFL experience in the coaching staff, I feel like my potential is sky high. I am extremely excited to work with them on the field and make plays as a Varsity Blue.”

Along with the Rams, Diodati played six years with the Toronto Jr. Argos in the OFC and one year with the Etobicoke Eagles in the OVFL. In 2012 and 2014, he was awarded the Warren Hudson Memorial Award with the Jr. Argos. In 2015 and 2016, he helped the Rams to back-to-back TDSSAA city championships. This past season, he capped off the year with an OFSAA championship win and participated in the Rumble in the Jungle High School All-Star Classic Game.

While it has been quite the journey for Diodati, he has a few people he credits for his success. He said, “I want to thank my mom and dad for helping grow into the person I am today and the teachers and coaches that made this all possible.”