McGill Redmen’s defensive scheme draws in 2

Redmen bring in a Québec commit and an international commit.

A strong football team needs a strong defense and defensive back Luca Pichet from John Abbott College and linebacker Faïz Yacoubou from Cégep de Jonquière are ready to add their talents to the McGill Redmen.

Luca Pichet

No team settles for anything but first place and Luca Pichet is ready to commit himself to the Redmen’s cause. “I like being the underdog. I want to help McGill get to where Head Coach Ron believes they could be,” Pichet said. “Right now, you could make the argument that they’re the third best team in the RSEQ, but we’re trying to be number one.”

The 6’0, 180lbs strong safety added that he also chose McGill because he wanted to play for a defensive-minded head coach. “I like the system McGill has in place on the defense,” Pichet said.

In a bit of foreshadowing for life after football, Pichet is interested in the school’s arts program. “The coaches are helping me pick the classes necessary in order for me to become a better writer, which will eventually help me in my life after football,” Pichet said.

In his career, the product of LaSalle, Québec has played with the LaSalle Warriors and the John Abbott College Islanders (RSEQ Division 1).

Faïz Yacoubou

Faïz Yacoubou has come a long way to attend school in Québec. Originally from Rouen, France, he played two years with Les Gaillards de Cégep de Jonquière (RSEQ Division 3). Now, he has made the decision to continue his educational and football career in his adopted province.

“The academics is really important to my family and I, so it was obvious that I would seek a team that gives me a good education,” Yacoubou said. “But, I also really liked the football program and what it offers me.”

The potential physical and health education student spent a lot of time talking with Ron Hilaire, who also acts as the team’s defensive coordinator. He said that the coach explained to him what his projects are for the team. Due to his late commitment, Yacoubou hasn’t had the opportunity to meet all the coaches. “But, I’m really excited to meet them,” he said.

Standing at 6’1, 220lbs, he has played four years with Les Léopards de Rouen and one with the French national team. While with Les Gaillards, he was a Division 3 all-star and 2016 Bol d’Or winner.

Attending university is a chance to meet some new faces. It’s a fact not lost on Yacoubou. He said, “I’m a really passionate, athletic player and I can’t wait to meet all the other players and show what I’m able to do.”