Guelph adds a local commit and two London, Ontario, commits to their Class of 2018.
Linebacker Tyler Thompson from London South Collegiate Institute and running back Brandon Ferigo from Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute are from different cities, the latter already familiar with Guelph, but it probably won’t take long for the out-of-town linebacker to feel right at home.
Running back Richard Morris from London South Collegiate has also committed to Guelph.
Tyler Thompson
Courtesy of Tyler Thompson.
After sustaining a season-ending injury in his first game of the year, Tyler Thompson was unable to play with the South Lions (Thames Valley Regional Athletics) in 2017. However, the grade 13 was already on the Gryphons’ radar.
“The coaches and players all give me the feeling of a family. Even though (I had an) injury, I’ve gotten so much love and support form them. I can tell they actually care about you as a person more than just a player,” Thompson said. “Every coach I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking to has showed that.”
Interested in criminology and kinesiology, Thompson added that the academic support the school provides is unreal. “The structure they have for that will definitely keep me in check and allow me to succeed,” he said.
On the football field, the team’s structure is just as impressive to Thompson. “I also think they run an amazing program. Watching practices, I can tell they really work hard and grind everyday. From what I can tell, the coaches all want to win and they all buy into the family idea. They also seem very experienced, which appeals to me,” he said.
Coming from London, Ontario, Thompson said that he wanted to leave London, and Guelph felt like home. “I just think it’s going to be a perfect fit for me,” he said.
Thompson, who is 6’0, 198lbs, has played with the Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC), the London Jr. Mustangs (OPFL) and the London Minor Football Association Rams. In his 12-year career, he has won three championships with the Rams and one with the Thunderbirds. In 2011, he was the Thunderbirds’ defensive MVP.
While with the Lions, Thompson won a city championship in 2014 and a city and OFSAA championship in grade 12. He was also the team’s defensive MVP last season where he was a team leader in tackles. While with the Jr. Mustangs this summer, he captured an OPFL championship.
Brandon Ferigo
Courtesy of Brandon Ferigo (#44).
Brandon Ferigo is no stranger to the Guelph Gryphons. Originally from Guelph, Ontario, he has played summer ball on the Guelph Jr. Gryphons (OPFL). “I have been around the Guelph program for a long time, both through players coaching me and volunteering at games and practices,” Ferigo said, who is interested in psychology or landscape architecture. “I love my hometown of Guelph and the people within in.”
The 11-year veteran said that the school boasts top-notch facilities, “allowing me to reach my fullest potential as a football player.” He is also confident in the team’s coaching staff, to which he said, “is full of talented individuals who I believe will bring the best out of me both on and off the field.”
The 6’1, 230lbs middle linebacker played with the GCVI Gaels (District 10) in high school. Last season, he was the District 10’s defensive player of the year, the same year his team won the championships. The Gaels repeated their District 10 championship performance this season. Ferigo is also a four-time D10 all-star. In 2015, he won an OFC championship with the Thunderbirds and was apart of Team Ontario that beat Team USA.
Richard Morris
Richard Morris will be joining his South Lions’ counterpart on the Gryphons. During his time on the team, he has played as a running back and middle linebacker. Standing at 5’10, 200lbs, the product of London, Ontario, has also played with the Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC).
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