Red Resurgence begins (VIDEO)

******UPDATED 10:00AM EST*******

Three CEGEP standouts newest recruits to join RSEQ team’s 2014 class.

The Red Resurgence has already begun with positive results.

Yesterday, the McGill Redmen announced the commitments of three CEGEP standouts have joined the RSEQ team’s 2014 class.

Joel Houle, Charles Gabreau and Jordan Robert are the newest Redmen.

JOEL HOULE:

After careful consideration of several different schools, the 6’4, 210 pound quarterback from Chateauguay, Quebec was sold on McGill.  He decision became easier once he visited the Montreal, Quebec campus.

“It wasn’t an easy choice. I spoke with many universities and each and every one of them offered different opportunities,” explained Houle of his decision.  “I am not used to getting that kind of attention.”

“I never thought that playing football could bring me to that level. When it came down to my choice, IO sat down with my parents, girlfriend and different family members to talk about the options that were offered to me. When I visited McGill, I really liked the campus. It was distinct to me.”

Furthermore, the Quebec quarterback was impressed by the Redmen football program and said their recruitment efforts to land him were appealing to him.

“The way that the coaches in the football program were describing me really attracted me,” said Joel.  “My offensive coordinator was in contact with Pat Boies, the Offensive Coordinator at McGill.”

“When I talked to him, he already knew the type of player I was and the system I ran in CEGEP. They showed a lot of  interest in my qualities and also pointed out what I will have to work on. It all came down to a gut feeling. They said that I could impact the football program quickly and I intend to work hard to do so. I’m looking forward to train with the team this winter.”

Houle comes to the Redmen after completing his CEGEP career with Division 3 team Valleyfield Noir et Or. In the 2013 season with the team, the pivot amassed 2394 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes, 145 completions  in 226 attempts for a 64 percent completion rate,  six interceptions,  553 rushing yards rushing (average of 6.3 yards per carry)and  11 rushing touchdowns  in 11 games played.

The previous season (2012), Houle put up equally impressive statistics – 2664 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes,  198 completions in  295 attempts for a  67.1 percent completion rate, 6 interceptions, 351 rushing yards (an average of 3.3 yard per carry) and 10 rushing touchdowns in  11 games played with the Noir et Or.

The Quebec quarterback is a two time CEGEP Division 3 Offensive MVP.  Additionally, he has been a Division 3 Bol D’Or MVP twice.

 

JORDAN ROBERT:

The 6’1, 220 pound linebacker from Montreal, Quebec was impressed with both the football program and the academic aspects the RSEQ school provided.

“I chose McGill mainly because the coaching staff is great,” explained Robert of his decision.  “The Donovan brothers are unique people that take good care of their players.”

“Then, the university is reputable and players on the team are already very good teammates.”

Robert comes to McGill after finishing his CEGEP career with Division 2 team St. Jean-sur Richelieu Geants. Previous to CEGEP, the Quebec linebacker suited up for Vaudreil-Dorian.

CHARLES GABREAU:

The 6’2, 315 pound offensive lineman joins the Redmen after playing three seasons with CEGEP Division 1 team, Vanier Cheetahs, where he won a Bol D’Or championship.

“Ever since my first visit at McGill, I was really pleased with what they had to offer,” said Gabreau.  “They surround their players with the proper resources for them to be successful.”

“The coaching staff is very enthusiastic about the future and all want to turn the program around. Before I made my decision to go to McGill, my parents and I had long discussions on other possibilities but the best fit for me was McGill. I’m really excited to be part of a such a special program and start winning more games.”

The offensive lineman began his career with the Sun Youth Hornets at the age of seven.  At 14 years of age, Gabreau moved on to play high school football for Laval Liberty Panthers.

“Playing for the Panthers really changed my view on football thanks to coach Steve Alexandre and his coaching staff because they thought me that it isn’t just a game but a lifestyle,” added Gabreau.

However, the highlight of his career was winning the Bol D’Or championship with the Cheetahs.

“I will never forget the feeling I had inside after we hoisted that trophy,” reflected Gabreau.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)