Ravens land Nova Scotia kicking phenom (VIDEO)

Bedford kicker/punter newest recruit to join OUA team’s 2015 class.

Earlier today, the Carleton Raven officially signed Greg Hutchins to their football program.

The 6’3, 205 pound kicker/punter from Bedford, Nova Scotia will join the Ravens for the 2015 OUA season.

“We are very excited to have a player of Greg’s caliber,” commented Ravens Head Coach Steve Sumarah.  “He has an extraordinarily strong leg and with his experience kicking in Canada Cups and on Team Canada, it is going to make him game ready to come in and compete.”

 

Among the teams Hutchins has suited up for during his career include Charles P Allen Cheetahs of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL – 2013/2014), Bedford Bantam Saints (2011/2012) and the Team Canada’s under-18 squad (2014/2015).  In addition to being a kicker and punter, Hutchins also played at the receiver position during his high school stint.

The following are his kicking/punting stats throughout the course of his time the Cheetahs:

Punt Distance Average:    45.5    Long:  73
Kick-Off Distance Average:   64 Long: 85
Field Goals: 33/41 (80%)            Long: 48
Extra Points:  72/74 (97%)

After his signing today, Hutchins issued the following statement about his commitment to the Ravens:

“I am very happy with my choice to play for the Ravens. I’m especially excited for the chance to play for Coach [Steve] Sumarah. The process really began at the 2013 Canada Cup in Moncton, when coach Sumarah was one of several coaches who showed some early interest. From that point on, coach Sumarah stayed in casual contact with my mother and me, until he came to our home to present the LOI in November. Since I had a number of offers from strong teams across Canada, as well as some potential to play in the U.S., it was really important to take my time to make the right choice. There was a lot to consider, especially since Ontario schools are limited in the amount of scholarship money they can offer.”

“In the end it didn’t come down to the money. The main factor in my decision was the relationship that Coach Sumarah was able to build with my family and me. I’m confident that he has my interests at heart, and really wants to see me succeed along with the team. I’m also impressed with what the team has been able to accomplish in only two years in the OUA. They have a great coaching staff, they’ve done a great job recruiting high-caliber athletes (even a few from Nova Scotia), and went from 0-8 to 4-4 in one year.  That’s impressive for such a young team. It won’t be long before we are challenging for a spot in the playoffs. With the Ravens, I will have the chance to both kick and punt, and I’m looking forward to making a positive contribution to the team right away.”

“Since Coach Sumarah is in charge of special teams as well as being head coach, he understands the importance of the kicking game, and really seems to have the right philosophy about how to handle a kicker. I know that most people (even some coaches) don’t always appreciate what a good kicker/punter can bring to a team; but if I can add 75 or 100 net punting yards in a game, that’s the same advantage as a running back having a really good day.”

“Beyond the Ravens’ great potential to compete are their excellent new facilities, great alumni and fan support, as well as the University’s clear commitment to make the team a winner. I felt excitement in the place and in the players when I was on my official visit. Carleton University is a great fit for me athletically, academically, and socially; and the closeness to home is also a big plus. I am very comfortable that I have picked the best place to play at the next level; and my new teammates have already started to make me feel like part of the Bird Gang, with all their enthusiastic tweets and messages on social media welcoming me to the Ravens.”

Throughout his career, the Nova Scotia kicker/punter has been recognized provincially, nationally and in North America for his talent.  Below is a list of awards and honours he has received:

2015 Chris Sailer Kicking – Las Vegas XXV
Punt Competition Finalist

2014 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
Division 1 – MVP

2014 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
Division 1 – Outstanding Kicker/Punter

2014 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
1^st Team All-Star Receiver

2014 Charles P Allen Football
Team MVP

2014 Charles P Allen Football
Special Teams Player of the Year

2014 Football University
Top Gun Selection

2014 University of Oregon Specialist Camp
Punting Champion

2014 University of Oregon Specialist Camp
Kick-Off Champion

2014 University of Oregon Specialist Camp
Field Goal Runner-up

2014 Chris Sailer Kicking
Event Elite Selection

2014 Chris Sailer Kicking – Las Vegas Spring Event
Preliminary Punt Competition Runner-up

2013 Sport Nova Scotia [football]
Male Team Athlete of the Year

2013 Football Nova Scotia
High School Player of the Year

2013 Football Nova Scotia
Provincial MVP Offense

2013 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
 2^nd Team All-Star Receiver

2013 Nova Scotia Sport Athletic Federation Football League
Nova Division – Outstanding Kicker/Punter

2012 Wilson Challenge
Final Game MVP

2012 Wilson Challenge
Tournament 1^st Team All-Star Kicker/Punter

2012 Bedford-Sackville Minor Football
Special Teams MVP

2011 Bedford-Sackville Minor Football
Special Teams Award

 

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