Regina Rams stock up on homegrown talent, add 3

Rams add three local commits to their Class of 2018.

It is said that home is where the heart is, and if home also has a top-notch football program like the University of Regina Rams, then there is little wonder why linebacker Ethan Howitt from Thom Collegiate and defensive back Daud Riaz from Martin Collegiate decided to stay home for university.

Linebacker Josh Girodat from Michael A. Riffel High School will also be joining the Rams.

Ethan Howitt

Ethan Howitt has been watching the Regina Rams since he was young. A resident of Regina, Saskatchewan, he has always been infatuated with the green and gold.

“Growing up, it was always a dream of mine to someday play for the Rams, so when they called, I jumped at the chance,” Howitt said. “I (also) wanted to stay close to home for university.”

Howitt added that he thinks the Rams’ training facilities are great and the coaching staff is solid. “From the coaching staff that I’ve talked to, they all seem like really solid guys who are very committed to the organization,” the potential business student said. “When I met with Coach Bryce, academics was one of the main focuses and you could tell he was really passionate about the success of his athletes on and off the field.”

Howitt only played two seasons of high school ball with the Thom Collegiate Trojans (Regina Intercollegiate Football League). Prior to his inaugural grade 11 season, he played with the Regina Minor Football Sundevils for six years starting at the age of nine.

In 2016, the 6’0, 185lbs middle linebacker was the Trojans defensive player of the year. In the third week of this season, he was the RIFL’s player of the week.

The UofR Rams welcome Thom’s LB Ethan Howitt to the family. Go Rams! #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/Bmeidnzpnq

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) November 13, 2017

Daud Riaz

A fellow product of Regina, Daud Riaz has his sights set on becoming a starter. He said he chose the Rams because if he makes starting roster, his tuition will be covered. He plans on going into nursing.

Riaz has already been acquainted with two of the Rams coaches who had previously coached him. “I think it’ll be good,” he said.

Riaz’s career started with the North Central Lakers (Regina Minor Football). He was then apart of the South Sask Selects U16 team. He played two seasons with his high school team, the Martin Collegiate Monarchs (RIFL). This past summer, he was a member of the Team Saskatchewan U18 squad.

In 2014, he was the Lakers’ best defensive back and received a leadership award. In 2017, he was the Monarchs’ defensive MVP and team MVP. He is 5’11, 170lbs.

Josh Girodat
Josh Girodat was a member of the Michael A. Riffel Royals (Regina High Schools Athletics Association). He also represented his province on the 2017 edition of Team Saskatchewan U18. He stands at 6’0, 170lbs and plays as a strong safety and outside linebacker. He is from Regina, Saskatchewan.

The UofR Rams welcome Riffel’s Josh Girodat to the family. Go Rams! #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/neuvjpGC9N

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) November 7, 2017