LB Ramsey Derbas looking to build upon stellar rookie season

Derbas making a tackle versus the Aden Bowman Bears in 2016.

Ramsey Derbas will enter his grade 11 year with expectations to build on last seasons impressive debut. Derbas started in his grade 10 season for the #CFC50 Holy Cross Crusaders, Saskatoon’s high school football powerhouse. He made an instant impact as a safety, recording 7 interceptions in 8 games, including a pick coming in the 4A final sealing the sixth straight city championship for the Crusaders.

Derbas displayed his versatility for Team Saskatchewan at the 2017 Canada Cup, where he starred as a linebacker. He was a standout for the squad during their journey to the gold medal game, where they eventually fell short in a close battle against Quebec. Look for him to return to the Canada Cup in 2018 with a larger role for his provincial team.

Standing at 6’1, 201 lbs, he has the height and weight to play at linebacker or as a defensive back. He’s a complete player, who brings a ton of energy each time he steps on the field. Ramsey is a strong open field tackler, and he’s able to use his impressive quickness to put himself in position to make the play. “I love the mixture of my size and speed and I’m able to use that to my advantage. It allows me to show my cover skills as well as use my physicality and make plays within the box. I am not just a run stopper or cover man, I feel like I have proved that I can do a variety of things after this years Canada Cup.” he explains.

Ramsey will likely slide over to linebacker for the Crusaders this upcoming season, where he’ll look to anchor the defence and lead them to an unprecedented 7th straight city championship. He’ll head into the year with a goal of being a captain, and using his experience from his past season to provide leadership. “I want to show everyone how much more I think I can do for my football team.” Derbas adds.

Holy Cross has a rich football tradition in Saskatchewan and Derbas understands that. “Being a crusader means to play for your teammates and for all the people who played before you. The teams goal is always to win a city championship so it’s very important to me and the rest of the team.” he explains.

Scott Hundseth will return for yet another season as head coach at Holy Cross in 2017. Hundseth has been the mastermind behind the Crusader’s run of dominance throughout the past decade, and he’ll look to build upon that this season. He’s an inspiring coach who has an impressive talent for getting the most out of his players. Derbas listed him as one of the most influential people in his life.  “Having a coach that puts in so much for his players and treating us as well as he does makes you want to work as hard as he does.” notes Ramsey.

Derbas also represented Saskatchewan at the International Bowl in Arlington, Texas, where he took on some of the highest rated recruits in America in a game held at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded six tackles on the big stage, in what will be one of the greatest experiences of his career. “Playing at AT&T Stadium was unreal, it was great to play the top competition in the USA. I was humbled to go and represent Sask and it’s something I’ll never forget.” says the Cross product.

Ramsey is a multi-sport athlete, who not only uses his size to his advantage on the gridiron but on the court as well. He’s a talented basketball player who has suited up for Saskatchewan at a national championship in that sport as well. “Being able to represent Saskatchewan on the national stage for two sports has been a blessing. However, I have narrowed down my main focus is football and that is what I wish to pursue.” he says.

Look for Ramsey to be one of the top recruits coming out of Saskatchewan in the class of 2019.

Watching Derbas play is exiting to say the least, he’s an electrifying player who has a knack for making a big time play. That knack came up huge during last seasons city final against Centennial. In a game where Ramsey felt the Crusaders were doubted despite being the defending champion, he made a play that changed the fate of the championship. He intercepted a high throw from Taran Prefontaine deep in their own half, giving the ball back to their offence. He lists the pick as one of the most memorable plays in his career to date. “Hundseth challenged me all year to make big plays and I did just that when we needed it.” he says.

Derbas credits his mother for giving him the chance to be the player he is today. “My mom raised me as a single parent but she always made sure I have had the opportunity to go and do what I wanted.” he explains.

Ramsey is a special talent, who has goals of receiving a scholarship and playing U-Sports football. I’m sure no one will be surprised when he makes that dream a reality when the fall of 2019 arrives. All eyes in Saskatoon will be dialled in on Derbas and the Holy Cross Crusaders drive for seven straight.

Ramsey Derbas (#26)
Defensive Back/Linebacker
6’1, 201lbs

Teams: Holy Cross Crusaders, U18 Team Saskatchewan
Commitment: none
Considerations: open
Class: 2019