Murphy’s power (VIDEO)

CEGEP linebacker to be reunited with Defensive Coordinator & friend by joining OUA team.

Devin Murphy had an influential role in a CEGEP linebacker’s decision to commit to his new gridiron home.

Recently, Khadim Mbaye signed with the Ottawa Gee-Gees.  The 6’1, 235 pound linebacker from Laval, Quebec will join the team for the 2014 OUA season and will thus be instructed by Murphy, who is the team’s Defensive Coordinator.

“One of the main reasons I decided to commit with the Gee-Gees is the fact that my coach from Team Canada 2012, Devin Murphy, who I appreciated a lot, is part of the coaching staff,” explained Mbaye of his decision.   “During Team Canada, I really loved his way of coaching and his passion for this sport.”

“His enthusiasm was shared with all of his players and encouraged me to pursue excelling in football.”

Moreover, he was impressed with Gee-Gees Head Coach Jamie Barresi on an official visit to the school.

“I met with the Head Coach, James Barresi,” said the Quebec linebacker.  “Due to his extensive football background as a coach, as well as his philosophy about the sport itself, I have no doubt that he will help develop my skills to reach a higher playing level.”

“Moreover, by often visiting the coach and the University of Ottawa, I feel like I really belong there and nowhere else”

However, this was not an easy decision as Mbaye was also considering two RSEQ programs in addition to the Gee-Gees.

“My other choices were University of Laval and University of Sherbrooke,” recalled Mbaye.  “They both have excellent football programs, but I decided to go with the University of Ottawa as I had already known some of the GeeGees coaching staff.”

“Additionally, the University of Ottawa has an excellent program in Computer Science that I look forward to partaking in starting September.”

By virtue of this commitment, the Quebec defensive standout will be reunited with one of his good friends who recently committed to the team.

“I am also happy to be able to share this experience with one of my good friends and teammate, Ricardo Lubin, who is also planning on attending University of Ottawa,” adds Mbaye.

The linebacker comes to the Gee-Gees after completing his CEGEP career with Division 1 team, Montmorency Nomades.  Previous to the Nomades, Mbaye played for both Cure-Antoine Labelle Wolves and the Deux-Montagnes Centurions of RSEQ Juvenile Division.

Mbaye represented his home province as a member of Team Quebec at the 2011 Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta and brought home the gold member as a member of Team Canada at the 2012 World Junior IFAF Championships in Austin, Texas.

“Throughout my time playing this sport I have learned so much and hope for continual growth,” expressed the Quebec defensive standout.

With this commitment, there are a couple of individuals Mbaye credits with guiding him to success to get him to this juncture in his career.

“I would also like to say a big thank-you to Paul-Eddy Saint-Villien, the Nomades Football Team Head Coach,” commented Mbaye.  “Without him, this would have never been possible as he has taught me everything I know about football, and during my two years training with him he has helped me to improve and excel in football.”

“And a big thanks to Michel Blanchette for his help in my personal and academic life.”

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