February 15, 2019
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Varsity Blues offers top-of-line facilities, academics

Toronto welcomes two Ontario commits and one out-of-province commit to their team.

When it comes to their future in U Sports football, CFC60 Jake Zimmerman, an offensive lineman from Champlain College Lennoxville, and athlete Omar Hayes-Williams from the AKO Fratmen (CJFL) know they are in good hands with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Ethan Mackinnon, a wide receiver from St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School, will also be joining the Varsity Blues.

CFC60 Jake Zimmerman

Courtesy of Jake Zimmerman.

Jake Zimmerman is going to Toronto for the school and staying for the football. β€œI chose U of T because it is the most prestigious school in Canada that has an amazing law school,” he said. He is interested in taking political science before attending law school.

β€œI loved the facilities, the support given to the athletes and the amazing city of Toronto,” he added. β€œThe coaching staff is very committed to the success of the program. They really put pressure on the success of (the) players not only on the field but in the classroom too. I really liked how the coaches want to help me achieve my goals of becoming a lawyer.”

Zimmerman, who is 6’3, 300lbs, has played for several teams in his six-year career. Hailing from MontrΓ©al, QuΓ©bec, he has played with the North Shore Lions (NHFL), the North Shore Mustangs (NHFL), the Fork Union Blue Devils and the Champlain College Lennoxville Cougars (RSEQ Division 1). He was a 2015 bantam AAA provincial champion. The following year he was a bantam all-star and a midget AAA provincial champion. He also helped the Cougars win a 2017 Bol d’Or.

β€œI would like to thank all the people who have supported me throughout my years of football,” he said. β€œAnd, I’m very excited to start this new chapter in my life.”

Omar Hayes-Williams

Courtesy of Omar Hayes-Williams.

Omar Hayes-Williams knows that with the Varsity Blues, all his needs will be tended to. β€œI committed to the University of Toronto because I felt it was the best opportunity (where) I would excel both on and off the field,” he said.

β€œToronto facilities are top-of-the-line. Anything you think you will need they have it, whether it’s for on the field purposes or in the classroom,” he added. β€œI also liked the fact that you are in the downtown core, but you don’t feel the rush and crowds while on campus.”

The potential humanities student was also more than impressed with the team’s coaches. He said they are great. β€œIf you have a problem with anything, they will sit down with you and get it figured out no matter how long it takes,” he said. β€œIt’s like a great, big family. They believe in you and only want what’s best.”

Before joining the Fratmen in 2015, Hayes-Williams, who is from Windsor, Ontario, played with the Essex Ravens (OPFL) in 2014 and 2015. He helped the Fratmen win two OFC championships during his four years with the team. He was an OFC all-star in 2018 and the Fratmen’s offensive MVP. The 6’2, 225lbs athlete primarily plays as a wide receiver.

FPC Ethan Mackinnon

Ethan Mackinnon calls Amherstburg, Ontario, home. Standing at 6’0, 170lbs, he has played with the Essex Ravens and the St. Thomas of Villanova Wildcats (WECSSAA). While with the Ravens, he had 28 receptions for 660 yards and seven touchdowns in 2017. He also participated in the 2018 Fox 40 Prospect Challenge.

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