Roaring ambitions (VIDEO)

Ontario & CEGEP standouts become newest recruits to join OUA team’s 2014 class.

Five Ontario standouts as well as a CEGEP linebacker are set to roar next season at their new gridiron home.

Mahlique Marks, Temba Jennings, Omar Blackford, Broderick Martin, Andrew Masson-Wong and Jeff Hutchison have all recently committed to the York Lions for the 2014 OUA season.

MAHLIQUE MARKS:

The 6’1, 177 pound offensive standout from Toronto, Ontario signed with the Lions for a few key reasons.

“The reason I committed to York is because I didn’t want to go away and it’s close to home,” explained Marks of his decision.  “I like Coach (Warren) Craney’s vision and how he is so passionate about making York a better team.”

“Also, York has a great business program.”

Marks took this past season off from the gridiron.  The last team he suited up for was Don Bosco Eagles of the Toronto District College Athletic Association (TDCAA).  During his final year with the team, Marks guided the team to the Metro Bowl.  He was named Eagles MVP in grade 11 and played at the quarterback position for the team.

Other teams he has previously played for include both the Etobicoke Eagles and Brampton Bulldogs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). In July 2011, Marks represented his home province as a member of Team Ontario East at the Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta.

TEMBA JENNINGS:

The defensive lineman from Toronto, Ontario gravitated towards the atmosphere surrounding the campus and football program.

“I committed to York because it is close to home and it is a family environment,” said Jennings.  “I immediately bought into what Coach Warren Craney is trying to do with the program and that is to be a championship contender.”

“All the guys here seem like they want to win so badly and I just can’t wait to join them in August. I just want to be the best football player that I can be.”

During his gridiron career, Jennings has suited up for the Etobicoke Eagles of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and his high school team, Don Bosco Eagles of the Toronto District College Athletic Association (TDCAA). With his commitment to the Lions, he will be reunited with former Eagles teammate, Mahlique Marks.

OMAR BLACKFORD:

The 5’8, 180 pound running back/defensive back from Toronto, Ontario was impressed by the continual interest the Lions showed in him throughout the entire recruitment process.

“I decided to commit to York because even though I was being spoken to by others schools they by far showed the most interest in me attending their school,” explained Blackford of his decision.  “They actively attended my games and kept in contact with me and my progression in school.”

“They made it known that education is a priority to them and that they wanted me to have a successful future at their school. Upon visiting the school and experiencing the pride and the family bond that comes with being a Lion, it really made me want to make York my home for the next four to five years.”

However, that was not the sole reason for selecting the Toronto, Ontario campus.

“It also helps that York is close to home so I can visit my family whenever I desire which is something that is very important to me because family comes first in my books,” added Blackford.  “This is a football program that I feel like I can enter and make an impact on right away while learning and gaining knowledge about the game at the CIS level.”

“Whatever role they put me in on this team I will put all my effort into trying to be successful and contributing to the team in any way that I can.”

Blackford joins the Lions after finishing his high school career with Northern Red Knights of the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA). During his stint there, the two-way player led the team to back-to-back City Championships.

In addition to the Red Knights, Blackford has previously suited up for Metro Toronto Wildcats of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and the Toronto Jr. Argonauts of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

BRODERICK MARTIN:

For the 6’3, 265 pound defensive end from Toronto, Ontario, it was very simple why he chose to commence his CIS career with the Lions.

“I felt like staying close to family,” expressed Martin.  “It also gives my family the opportunity to see my games.”

“Ultimately, I believe that with this coaching staff and the group of young players we have, we can make a push for what’s really important – a CIS championship.”

The defensive end comes to the Lions playing for the Chaminade College Gryphons of the Toronto District College Athletic Association (TDCAA).

ANDREW MASSON-WONG:

While academics played a key role in the 5’11, 210 pound linebacker from Quebec City, Quebec’s decision, he also likes the positive direction the football program is heading towards.

“The principal reason is academic,” commented Masson-Wong.  “I couldn’t past away the opportunity to study in one of the bigger and the best university in the country.”

“Also, the coaching staff is very nice and have a great reputation. Being coached by Warren Craney is pretty cool.  Also, the football team is young and the school put a lot of money in the football program.”

Recently, Masson-Wong completed a stint in CEGEP with Division 1 team, College Notre-Dame de Foy.

JEFF HUTCHISON:

The 6’5, 250 pound offensive lineman from Georgetown, Ontario joins the Lions after playing for Christ the King Jaguars of the Halton Secondary School Athletic Association (HSSAA).  Additionally, Hutchison has suited up for the North Halton Crimson Tide of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

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