Gee-Gees bring in two highly-touted commits.
Kody White, a defensive lineman from La Salle Secondary School and Jonathan Fabien, an offensive lineman from Cégep Ahuntsic, are set to bring size and athleticism to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.
Kody White
Courtesy of Kody White.
With a little bit of nudging and a whole lot of persuading, Kody White made a decision that would change his life forever. “I would like to thank my best friend and U of T commit, Cisco Bower, for convincing me to transfer schools in grade 10 to come play football! If it wasn’t for him, none of this amazing experience would be happening,” White said.
Once teammates on the La Salle Black Knights (Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association), Bower and White will now be rivals on the gridiron. It was a little bit enviable seeing as White said, “From the first time I was approached by the Gee-Gees, I sorta knew it was right for me. From the time touring the campus and talking with many different coaches, I knew it was the right fit for me.”
Anyone who has toured the city knows there is something alluring about Ottawa. “The campus and just the city of Ottawa’s atmosphere and being the nation’s capital sold it for me alone. The opportunities in the city are endless and a career after university will hopefully be easier to find,” he said.
Beyond the environment, the football and its personnel made a major impression on White. “The football program in my opinion is one of the best in the country. The facilities are top level and the field is great. It also doesn’t hurt to be able to have a chance to play in the Panda Game,” he said, noting the annual rivalry match between the Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens.
“Almost every coach came out to meet my parents and I when we went on a visit. That is a lot different than other schools I went to visit,” he added. “I love the Ottawa coaching staff. From the very first time I met them I knew that they were very honest and genuine.”
Building a relationship with a player and their family is essential during the recruitment process. But, for White, the staff went above and beyond. “They always send me messages to see how I’m doing and if I ever need anything are always there and willing to help! The combined experience they all have is incredible and I cannot wait to just take in and learn from some of the best coaches in the country,” he said.
Courtesy of Kody White.
When he joins the Gee-Gees, White said he will either be studying history, geography or law. “The academic support that Ottawa has to offer also helped me with my decision. They really seemed to care about the academic part of things and helping the athletes succeed,” he said.
Hailing from Seeley’s Bay, Ontario, which is located north-east of Kingston, the 6’4, 250lbs athlete has also played with the Limestone Grenadiers (OVFL) and the Rideau RedBlacks (National Capital Amateur Football Association).
“Kody White has a great size and frame he is relatively new to the sport. So, we think he’s got tremendous potential to grow into a high-caliber player for us after a year or so,” Nathan Taylor, the special teams and recruiting coordinator said.
With a new chapter still to be written, White took some time to look at some characters from his past. He said, “I would like to thank all my past coaches, Tom Bell, Reuben Brunet, Kim Lats and many more for helping me along the way. Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me along the way and cheering me on from the sidelines.”
Awards
National Capital Bowl: 2014, 2016
EOSSAA Championship: 2014, 2016
KASSAA Championship: 2014, 2015, 2016
OVFL Finalist
NCAFA A Championship Finalist: 2015
OFSSAA Silver Medalist in rugby
Defensive MVP: 2014
Captain: 2015 2016
Jonathan Fabien
Jonathan Fabien will be joining uOttawa from Les Indiens du Collège Ahuntsic (RSEQ Division 3). Prior to playing with Les Indiens, he played with the Sun Youth Hornets (QMFL). He is 6’2, 285lbs.
“We think Fabien can come in and compete early. He’s shown flashes of good athleticism and physicality. He really knows how to finish his blocks, which is nice to see from a recruit. Its one of those things you’re born with. He’s coming to join his teammates from Ahunstic, which is a plus for us,” Taylor said.
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