McGill commits excited to develop

McGill adds a local commit and an international commit to their Class of 2018.

Wide receiver Félix Durand from Cégep de Chicoutimi and offensive lineman Robert Riddle from Vanier College know that they are in good hands with the McGill coaching staff.

Félix Durand

Before making a major decision in his life, Félix Durand did the most reasonable thing. He asked for other people’s opinions. “From all the people that I asked, I only heard praises about the coaching staff (at McGill). My cégep OC, Youssy Pierre, a former Edmonton wideout, convinced me about the quality of the coaching staff,” Durand said.

During his recruitment, Durand said he had excellent contact with Head Coach Ron Hilaire, which was the main factor in his decision. “I felt that it was the best place for me to keep learning and maturing as a man and as a football player,” he added. “As far as I am concerned, I could not ask for more than a coaching staff composed of former pros and people who lived in and for high-level football.”

In 2012, Durand began his football career with Les Conquérants de Caen in his hometown of Caen, France. He spent five years with the team before being recruited by Les Cougars du Cégep de Chicoutimi (RSEQ Division 3). Standing at 6’3, 185lbs, he plays as a wide receiver and slotback.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to win any championship. That is one of the things I am looking forward to correcting by committing to McGill,” Durand said. “There is everything (there) that you look for as an athlete who wants to get better.”

Back in France, Durand is finishing up a law degree. He plans on studying kinesiology at McGill. His goal is to complete a masters in sports law.

“I know it sounds cliché, but I would like to thank my parents, my family and every person, player and coach that I had the occasion to play with or play for throughout my football career,” Durand said. “A special thank you to my girlfriend Louise who supported me throughout everything I undertook.”

Robert Riddle

Robert Riddle is not only used to performing well on the field, but also in the classroom. For the past two seasons, he has been recognized with an academic award for maintaining an average above 80 during the season.

Now, the future management student will be put to the test at McGill. “I chose this school because of its rich football history as well as its academic standards,” he said.

The towering 6’8, 270lbs left tackle added that McGill has a “great, approachable staff. I can’t wait to learn and develop as an athlete with the help of the staff.”

Riddle spent eight years with Les Cougars de St-Léonard and two with the Vanier Cheetahs (RSEQ Division 1) in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec.