Leaving the nest to become Gryphons

Guelph adds three Québec commits to their 2018 class.

Linebacker Anthony Hall and running back Kwame Osei from John Abbott College, along with defensive back Brendan Murphy from Champlain College Lennoxville, will be heading out of the province of their birth to forge a life of their own on the University of Guelph Gryphons.

Anthony Hall

When considering schools, Anthony Hall took into consideration how his choice would affect his family. “They left my mom and older brother speechless after talking to them about the school and the facilities,” Hall said. “My father came into factor as well because he lives in Toronto, so I want to be near him and my family down there as well.”

Recruiting can be a difficult thing to navigate, however Hall, who is from Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Québec, had his Uncle Dave by his side the entire way. He said he helped him out by explaining the ins and outs of the recruiting process.

With his family’s seal of approval, Hall has confidence that he will be leaving the Gryphons a stronger person. “I love the coaches down there,” he said. “They’re great. They kept checking on me and looking at what they have done over the past few years, I know that because of them I’ll be leaving Guelph successful on and off the field.”

Standing at 6’1, 230lbs, Hall played with the John Abbott Islanders (RSEQ Division 2) in cégep. He also was a member of the Chateauguay Raiders (QJFL). In high school, he played with Les Faucons de Dorval Jean-XXIII (RSEQ). The cégep all-star will be taking a general studies in first year.

“I’d like to thank all my coaches from all the teams I’ve played for. They helped me become the man I am today, and I am truly grateful for having them by my side throughout my football life,” Hall said. “To my family, I thank them for being there supporting me throughout this tough recruiting process.”

ANTHONY HALL Commits to be the #NextGryphon ?⚫? John Abbott College LB will be a huge impact player in the @OUAsport – Welcome to the #GryphonFamily Anthony ? pic.twitter.com/wGO2xomBcI

— Gryphon Football (@GryphonFootball) February 9, 2018

Kwame Osei

There comes a time when every young adult must leave home and forge a life for themselves. Kwame Osei from Dollard-des-Ormeaux is ready to leave the island of Montréal and start a new life in southern Ontario.

“I wanted to leave home and grow up as an independent man,” Osei said. “I believe the coaching staff is great. They’re going to help me become a better football player and person as well.”

As a running back, Osei understands the importance of a strong offensive line. He said he chose Guelph because they have one of the best offensive lines in the country and that “they give us the best environment to be a successful football player.”

Osei, who is 5’10, 175lbs, also played with Les Faucons and the Islanders. In 2014, he was an offensive MVP. The following year, he was the Islanders’ rookie of the year. In 2016, he was the team’s MVP and an all-star. Last season, he was named as the team player of the year. He played mosquito and peewee football with A-Ma-Baie.

“I just want to thank all the schools that showed interest in me,” Osei said. “It wasn’t easy saying no, but I feel Guelph is the best fit for me.”

Commit Alert ? Kwame Osei from John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC Is the newest #NextGryphon Welcome to the #GryphonFamily Kwame – Big things happening in Guelph. #TeamFirst pic.twitter.com/q83WczwJAs

— Gryphon Football (@GryphonFootball) February 21, 2018

Brendan Murphy

Brendan Murphy played with the Champlain College Lennoxville Cougars in Lennoxville, Québec. He stands at 6’1, 195lbs and has lined up as a strong safety, a free safety and a cornerback.

Another HUGE Quebec signing as Brendan Murphy from Champlain is the #NextGryphon ? Another #gamechanger will turn some heads in the @OUAsport pic.twitter.com/d08KuhhOw7

— Gryphon Football (@GryphonFootball) February 11, 2018