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Gannon University has a freshman tight end from Toronto on their 2011 roster as they battle to compete in division two’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Alexander O’Donnell who went to high school at Riverside Military Academy in Georgia joined the Knights because of their coach, the programs high emphases on education and their offensive packages.

“I chose Gannon University because head Coach Jim Kiernan is committed to winning, while still making academics a high priority. The offensive scheme also seemed to best fit my skills as a tight end,” said Alexander O’Donnell.

While at Riverside Military Academy, O’Donnell played both quarter back and tight end earning him the coach’s award as a senior. He also was team captain three consecutive seasons and was named North Georgia Productions Game MVP.

“My coaches believe in me and think I have a lot of potential,” he said. “They are working with me on blocking mostly, getting my technique down. The receiver coach is working with me to make sure my routes are more sound and to perfect my timing with quarterbacks.”

Having already played in the United Sates during high school, O’Donnell is more comfortable going into the NCAA then other Canadians who have only experienced three-down football.

“I like the intensity of American football better. It is much more serious and intense then I had ever experienced in Canada. Practices are very fast pace,” he said. “There are rarely questions asked on the field, just reps and correction on film. You are expected to know your assignments and if you don’t they find someone who does.”

O’Donnell said that being a student athlete can sometimes be tough due to all that is being asked of you. Class, practices, weight training and homework is a lot to juggle for most young adults.

“It’s hard to balance football with my homework and class schedule. Campus lifestyle is pretty simple. Because of football, I don’t really experience college, just class, practice, offensive meetings and lifts,” said O’Donnell.

Even though O’Donnell sometimes feels overwhelmed with school work, don’t mistake that for lack of intelligence. While at Riverside Military Academy he graduated second out of 85 students in his senior class, was the top foreign language student and finished with a 4.0 grade-point average.

“I am a business major because of my love for economics and math. After football I expect to find a job doing something I enjoy, but not really sure what I want to do yet.”