SMU brings in CFC100, 2 others to team

Huskies welcome an American commit, a BC commit and an Ontario commit.

The Saint Mary’s University Huskies have picked up a variety of talent in CFC100 Yusuf Durodola, a defensive lineman from Downsview Secondary School, Robbie Rodrigues, a running back from the Okanagan Sun (CJFL) and Trey Sloan, a defensive back from East Central Junior College.

Yusuf Durodola

Yusuf Durodola knows the ways of his hometown, Toronto, Ontario, but now he will have a chance to experience the sights and sounds of Halifax, Nova Scotia. “I love the city. It’s a great place,” he said. “When the big snow storm hit in Halifax, I was praying for my flight to be cancelled. I didn’t want to leave.”

The 6’3, 225lbs defensive end and outside linebacker was also enthralled with the environment that surrounds the team. “I committed to SMU because I strongly believe the program is on the come up and I want to be apart of that. Also, Head Coach Colzie, he’s a great coach and he believes in me and also the team,” he said.

“I love the atmosphere there. I really feel like it’s a great fit for me. AJ and Coach Colzie are bringing the program up. I really like the two of them. They’re great people and great coaches.”

Durodola is interested in taking Sports Science. He suited up for the 2016 edition of the CFCFPC Team Central squad. He also played with Downsview Mustangs (Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association) and the Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL).

“I wouldn’t be here of course without my mom and dad, but I wouldn’t be in the position I am now without Russ Hoff and Lawrence Hopper,” Durodola said. “I was in middle school and Russ seen me and asked me to come play for the Wildcats. From there, I met Lawrence Hopper. He and Russ Hoff made me the player I am today.”

Head Coach James Colzie III is pleased to have Durodola on his team. “He is a CFC100 player who brings an amazing motor to our ball club. He will push for playing time in our three-four scheme,” he said.

Robbie Rodrigues

For Robbie Rodrigues, small was the optional word when choosing a new school. “I chose SMU because I wanted to play somewhere that was small enough to keep me focused, but big enough to keep me entertained,” he said. “I also feel that SMU is on the rise in the AUS with Head Coach Colzie going into his second year.”

In 2015, Rodrigues suited up for the Mount Allison Mounties before heading back to BC to play a season with the Okanagan Sun in 2016. “Being from Burnaby, BC and knowing guys from UBC who have played under Coach Colzie made this decision much easier. Plus, I have a great relationship with Coach Goff from my time spent at Mount A,” he said.”

In high school, he played with the Coquitlam Falcons (Vancouver Mainland Football League). He is 5’9, 200lbs and will be transferring into the SMU’s Sobey’s School of Business. Colzie III said he should come in right away and add depth to the team’s backfield.

Trey Sloan
Trey Sloan will be heading up to the Great White North after playing with the East Central Warriors (National Junior College Athletics Association). The 6’2, 180lbs athlete is from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Colzie III said that he is from one of the top junior colleges in the States. “He has the length to cover and speed to match-up with some of the top wide receivers in U Sports,” he added.