Regina Rams announce commitment of nine players for 2012

University of Regina head football coach Frank McCrystal announced Wednesday that nine graduating student-athletes from Saskatchewan high schools have committed to the Rams for the 2012 season.

Seven of the nine recruits are on the defensive side of the ball, including four defensive backs – Robbie Avram (Dr. Martin LeBoldus HS), Ryan Filyk (Michael A. Riffel HS), Mason Rossler (Riffel), and Michael Stefanovic (Vanier Collegiate). McCrystal has also added three to the defensive line, including Matt Cozart (Vanier), Chris Strongeagle (Estevan Comprehensive), and Ryan Warner (Campbell Collegiate).

The Rams also received commitments from offensive linemen Matt Knight (Riffel) and Lyndon Smith (Bert Fox Community HS).

“Our 2012 recruiting class is made up of a physical and very athletic number of quality young men,” McCrystal said. “We are extremely confident that they’ll grow together and give our program the chance to be successful through all of their years as Rams.”

The nine players are the first in McCrystal’s 2012 recruiting class. They’ll get their first taste of CIS action at the Rams’ 2012 Spring Camp, which runs from April 27 through April 29 at the U of R Field.

Here’s a quick look at each of the nine student-athletes that have committed to the Rams –

DB Robbie Avram – 6-0, 170 (Dr. Martin LeBoldus HS)
• Was a Schwann Conference all-star in his Grade 10 (2009) and Grade 11 (2010) seasons
• Had 16 tackles, two pass breakups, a 51-yard interception return for a touchdown for the Golden Suns in 2011
• Also played slotback for LeBoldus, catching 10 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns in his Grade 12 season
• Has applied to Campion Science at the U of R and plans to major in biology
McCrystal on Avram: “Robbie has great size and will add athleticism to our defensive backfield. He’s a bright, disciplined ball player who will make exceptional contributions to our overall program.”

DL Matt Cozart – 6-3, 350 (Vanier Collegiate)
• Played both offensive line and defensive line for Vanier
• Helped the Vikings to a perfect 6-0 regular season record and a Moose Jaw city championship in 2011
• Has applied to Campion Arts at the U of R
McCrystal on Cozart: “A very big young man capable of playing on either side of the ball. Matt will be an extremely physical presence for either our offensive line or defensive line.”

DB Ryan Filyk – 5-11, 176 (Michael A. Riffel HS)
• Won 4A city and provincial championships with Riffel in his Grade 12 season
• Named a Schwann Conference all-star at both fullback and safety in 2011
• Had 13 tackles, two sacks, a pass deflection, and an interception for the Royals in his Grade 12 season
• Also played as a running back, collecting 261 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 23 rushes in 2011
• Has applied to the Faculty of Business Administration at the U of R
McCrystal on Filyk: “An exceptional athlete who has excelled in a number of sports. He will play with an edge and dominate the middle of the field from the safety position.”

OL Matt Knight – 6-2, 309 (Michael A. Riffel HS)
• Helped the Royals to 4A city and provincial championships in his Grade 12 season
• Named a Schwann Conference all-star at guard in 2011
• Plans to enroll in Campion Arts at the U of R
McCrystal on Knight: “Matt is a big, strong guy and is the future of our interior offensive line. He’s arguably the most physically prepared offensive lineman graduating this year.”

DB Mason Rossler – 6-0, 172 (Michael A. Riffel HS)
• Was a 4A city and provincial champion with Riffel in 2011
• Had 23 tackles, two quarterback sacks, and an interception in his Grade 12 season
• Was also Riffel’s top running back, rushing 122 times for 1119 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2011
• Named the Schwann Conference Offensive Player of the Year and an all-star at both running back and outside linebacker for Riffel in 2011
• Has been accepted to the Faculty of Business Administration at the U of R
McCrystal on Rossler: “Mason might be the best graduating player in the province. He’s a great competitor with a strong work ethic and great physical attributes that we’ll see with the Rams for years to come.”

OL Lyndon Smith – 6-4, 284 (Bert Fox Community HS)
• Comes to the Rams after playing nine-man ball for the Fort Qu’Appelle Marauders
• Plans to enrol in Campion Arts at the U of R
McCrystal on Smith: “A big, athletic guy who will be capable of playing numerous positions on our offensive line. He’s a confident young man who will excel with each opportunity to play.”

DB Michael Stefanovic – 5-11, 185 (Vanier Collegiate)
• Won a Moose Jaw city championship and helped the Vikings to a perfect 6-0 regular season record in 2011
• Had an interception and rushed 19 times for 162 yards for Vanier during his Grade 12 season
• Named Vanier’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2011
• Accepted to the U of R’s Faculty of Arts and plans to major in psychology
McCrystal on Stefanovic: “Michael is a leader on and off the field who will bring a physical presence to our defence. He’s an outstanding football player and I feel he’ll be a future captain for the Rams.”

DL Chris Strongeagle – 6-4, 306 (White Bear Education Complex)
• Attended White Bear but played football for the Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs
• Accepted to the First Nations University of Canada’s Faculty of Arts
McCrystal on Strongeagle: “Chris is a big, aggressive student-athlete who brings incredible potential to our team as either on offensive or defensive lineman. With his size and strength, he’s very possible a future Canada West all-star.”

DL Ryan Warner – 6-2, 220 (Campbell Collegiate)
• Won 4A city and provincial championships with Campbell in his Grade 11 season
• Had 18 tackles, 2½ sacks, and a blocked kick for the Tartans in 2011
• Named a Schwann Conference all-star at defensive end
McCrystal on Warner: “Ryan will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our defensive. He’s both athletic and aggressive, which will be a great combination for our football program.”