UofT commits love the campus, academic reputation

Varsity Blues welcome one GTA commit, two southern Ontario commits and one out-of-province commit to their 2019 class.

Abdullah Dwyer, a defensive back from Sir Allan McNab Secondary School, and Charlie McMillan, a quarterback from Carson Graham Secondary School, are going to the University of Toronto for the academics and staying for the football.

Deonte McCarthy, a defensive back from Sir Allan McNab Secondary School, and Tyler Hart, a linebacker from Humberview Secondary School, will also be joining the Varsity Blues.

Abdullah Dwyer

Abdullah Dwyer will be leaving the steel mills of Hamilton, Ontario, behind as he makes his way down Highway 401. “I fell in love with the campus when I went on my visits. When touring the campus, I knew it was the environment I wanted to be in for the next four years,” he said. “A bonus is that it is very close to my home in Hamilton, so my family can visit and watch my games.”

Dwyer is interested in studying Rotman commerce or economics. Academic reputation, he said, was one of the main reasons why he chose U of T. “Academics are very important to me and I believe U of T would be the best option for my future since it is the top university in Canada,” Dwyer added.

When he turned his attention to football, the 6’1, 175lbs athlete said that all the coaches are “amazing and showed significant interest in me. I know they’re very dedicated to each and every one of their players. I felt welcome and confident that the team can be successful in the coming years under their leadership.”

Dwyer has been playing football with the Sir Allan McNab Lions (HWDSB) since grade nine. He is a back-to-back HWDSB champion in 2016 and 2017. He is also a SOSSA finalist in 2017. Along with football, he runs 400m hurdles and plays basketball.

Charlie McMillan

Charlie McMillan may be from North Vancouver, BC, but he already has a support network in Toronto. “I have a lot of family in Toronto and it is a great location for me in terms of support,” he said. “Toronto is a great fit for me. The atmosphere and the city fit my lifestyle and what I’m looking for in a university.”

McMillan was also drawn to the school because of the academics. He said that “being able to attend the best school in Canada to further my education is a great opportunity.”

In terms of football, McMillan said that the players and coaches have the mindset that he wants to be a part of. “It was the best opportunity for me to get on the field,” he added. “I really enjoy the coaching staff, great group of guys. The staff being primality new guys is appealing to me (and) being able to grow with a new staff is something appealing with this program.”

Standing at 6’2, 195lbs, McMillian has been playing football for eight years. Five of those years were spent with the Carson Graham Eagles (BCSSFA). He also participated in two Fox 40 Prospect Challenges in grade 10 and 11. He was a 2018 FPC MVP and won a BC senior provincial AA title in 2015.

Super excited to announce I’ve signed with @UofTBluesFB. Great opportunity to continue my football career and education, working with a great coaching staff at the number 1 academic school in Canada. Thanks to all my coaches and teammates over the years. #goblues @Carsongrahamea1

— Charlie McMillan (@c_mcmillan8) March 5, 2019

Deonte McCarthy

Deonte McCarthy is also a member of the McNab Lions. The product of Hamilton is 6’3, 175lbs.

Tyler Hart

Tyler Hart is from Caledon, Ontario, which is north of Mississauga. He was a member of the Humberview Huskies (ROPSSAA). In 2018 he was named as a ROPSSAA all-star.

So proud of our Humberview Grad, Tyler Hart, who just accepted an offer with the University of Toronto Blues and secured a well deserved spot on their Varsity Football roster! #huskyproud @HumberviewSS @HumberviewHAC @UofT pic.twitter.com/jNrVs1Wtno

— HumberviewGuidance (@HSSGuidance) February 19, 2019