Guelph Gryphons announce 2013 offensive recruits

GUELPH, Ont. – The Guelph Gryphons football team announced today their offensive recruiting class for next season, which includes a total of 14 players.

“I’m very proud of the young group of student-athletes joining the Gryphons on offence,” said offensive coordinator Todd Galloway. “We believe this group can have an immediate impact on the offence and the team as a whole.”

With a number of potential returning offensive starters, the Gryphons recruited to fit their immediate needs.

“We added some quality depth at the running back positions and continued to bolster our offensive line. At the receiver spot, with the departure of two fifth years, the new recruits will look to compete with the developing players in the program for a chance to play.”

Below is a player-by-player look at the Guelph Gryphons newest group of offensive football recruits, sorted by position then in alphabetical order with player’s bio.

Athletes who commit to any Guelph Gryphon team will be eligible to compete provided they are academically admissible to the University of Guelph.

Name: Johnny Augustine

Hometown: Welland, Ont.
High School: Notre Dame College
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 5’9” / 200 pounds

 

Johnny began his football career with the Jupiter Warriors in Florida. When he moved to Ontario, he played summer football for the OVFL Niagara Spears. Johnny was also team Rookie of the Year for Notre Dame Irish College. He represented Team Ontario West at the 2010 Football Canada Cup. Johnny has also been named a GHR All-Star. Amongst his many football achievements, Johnny is also a track star as he was the zone 100 metre dash champion.

Name: Bryson Dobush

Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
High School: Bev Facey Composite High School
Program: Bachelor of Engineering
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 6’0” 190 pounds

 

Bryson comes to Guelph from Sherwood Park, Alta. He has had tremendous success as a running back in Alberta. He has played for 11 years and amassed numerous awards over that time. He was the two time Team MVP at his High School Bev Facey. This season he broke the single season scoring record with 33 TD’s. He was also a two year starter for Team Alberta in the Canada Cup in 2011 and 2012 and a team captain this past summer. Bryson brings a combination of skill, speed, vision and toughness that will help him compete early.

Name: Mason Swift

Hometown: Sooke, BC
High School: Mt. Douglas High School
Program: Honours Bachelor of Arts
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 6’0” 215 pounds

Mason graduates from Mt. Douglas High School as a two time Triple AAA Senior Champion in 2011 and 2012. Mason has also been a part of Team BC which travelled to Texas this past January where they beat Team Europe and Team USA. Mason brings an element of toughness, speed, agility, and intensity to the football field. One of the main reasons for his decision to attend Guelph is to fulfill his dream of turning professional and being coached by CFL great and Gryphon running backs coach Neil Lumsden. Moving across the country was a tough decision for Mason but the family environment on the team made the decision easier.

 

Name: Eric Denis

Hometown: Welland, Ont.
High School: Notre Dame High School
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Offensive Line
HT/WT: 6’2” 295 pounds

Eric will join the offensive line upfront to protect quarterback Jazz Lindsey and the stable of running backs. Eric has been selected to the GHR Rising Stars team, Team Ontario West 2012, and Team Ontario Selects 2013 Under 19 team that travelled to Austin, Texas to play Team USA. Eric played his summer football career with the Niagara Spears. He will join childhood friend and Gryphon teammate Johnny Augustine.

 

Name: Tyler Iveson

Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.
High School: Forest Heights Collegiate Institute
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Offensive Line
HT/WT: 6’4” 270 pounds

Tyler played summer football for the Kitchener Waterloo Panthers. He also played basketball for his Forest Heights High School where they won the 2010-2011 WCSSAA. In Tyler’s first senior year he was named the team’s Top Rookie as a tight end. Tyler intends to study Criminal Justice and Public Policy while at the University of Guelph.

 

Name: Alec Reid

Hometown: Ennismore, Ont.
High School: Adam Scott CVI
Program: Bachelor of Science
Position: Quarterback
HT/WT: 6’5” 220 pounds

Alec comes to Guelph From Adam Scott High School in Peterborough, Ont., but his hometown is Ennismore, Ont. Alec is a great student looking to study Physics at the University of Guelph.  He is a big tall presence in the pocket which allows him to see the field and make every throw.  His arm strength is an asset as well. Alec has enjoyed success in the COSSA region helping his team to be three time champions. He was also a part of the Oshawa Hawkeyes of the OVFL.

Name: Lucas Spagnuolo
Hometown: Grimsby, Ont.
High School: Grimsby High School
Burlington Braves, transfer from University of British Columbia,
Program: Applied Science
Position: Quarterback

HT/WT: 6’0” 180 pounds

2010 Team Ontario West member, Lucas returns closer to home after spending his rookie year playing for the University of British Columbia. The native of Grimsby, Ont. is a dual threat on the football field with both his arm and legs. Last year when put into the game he showcased his athleticism at quarterback when he rushed two separate times on his first drive; one for an 18 yard gain and another on a 21 yard touchdown run. Lucas cannot wait to play in front of family and friends.

 

Name: Curtis D’Hollander

Hometown: London, Ont.
High School: Catholic Central High School
Program: Bachelor of Applied Science, Applied Human Nutrition
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 6’1” 176 pounds

Curtis is product out of London. He has speed mixed with athleticism that will transfer to his game. Curtis is a multi-sport athlete where he competed on his high school’s basketball team and is also a track and field standout. Curtis chose Guelph to get a great education and contribute to the football program.

Name: Johnny Franklin

Hometown: West Vancouver, BC
High School: West Vancouver Secondary
Program: Honours Arts, Geography
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 5’11” 175 pounds

Johnny will make the trip from Vancouver to Guelph to start his academic and athletic career as a Gryphon. He is enthusiastic about spending his University career in Ontario and growing up in a different part of Canada. Johnny is a versatile player who was asked to play quarterback for his West Vancouver high school. John put on one of the most spectacular performances ever seen in Vancouver football. He threw six touchdowns and rushed for two during a regular season game that put his team into the playoffs. He also threw for 317 yards that game.

Name: Darren Ivey

Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.
High School: St. Thomas Moore High School,
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 5’10” 160 pounds

Darren was one of the fastest football players in Hamilton in 2012. He played summer football for the Steel City Steelers where he excelled at running back and receiver. His explosive speed will translate well on the football field. His connection with the coaches also drove him to Guelph. Darren definitely believes he “will excel with all the academic support offered to student-athletes.”

 

Name: Sean McGonigal

Hometown; Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
High School: Superior Heights
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Public Policy
Position: Receiver
HT/WT: 6’4” 180 pounds

Sean is another great product out the Sault Saint Marie, Ont. area coming to Guelph.  He is has had great careers with both Superior Heights and the Sault Sabercats of the OVFL including be OFSSA Northern Bowl Champions in 2011. He is a smooth runner and has really sure hands.  His height also allows him to create mismatch problems with defenders.

Name: Thomas Stawiarski

Hometown: Ancaster, Ont.
High School: Bishop Tonnos High School
Program: Honours Bachelor of Arts
Receiver 5’11” 195 pounds

Thomas is a native of Ancaster, Ont. He was named Bishop Tonnos’ Team MVP in 2009 and led the Hamilton Catholic High School Football League in punt and kick return yards in 2010 and 2011.

Name: Derek Pisani

Hometown: Newmarket, Ont.
High School: Huron Heights Secondary School
Position: Running Back
HT/WT: 6’1” 195 pounds

Derek comes to Guelph as a 2011 Under 17 Team Ontario East running back. He was a team captain of the powerhouse Huron Heights Secondary School which was 2012 Metro Bowl Champions. Derek is a versatile player who will join the recruit class of running backs.

Name: Jacob Scarfone,

Hometown: London, Ont.
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas
Position: Kicker
HT/WT:  6’1” 175 pounds

Jacob played both as his high school team’s kicker, defensive back, and receiver. His big leg helped STA win the City Final in 2012. Jacob will join high school teammate and Gryphon commit Derek Drouillard. He has the talent of all three phases of kicking which will aid the team in the next coming years. Jacob is excited to begin his academic and athletic career at UofG. He looks forward to joining the Gryphon football family and contributing to the team’s future success. Jacob will benefit from being coached by CFL great Hank Ilesic, who believes Jacob can become a Gryphon great.