Toronto adds three out-of-province and one local commit to their 2018 class.
Deshawn Wong, a defensive lineman from Notre Dame Regional Secondary School, is ready to exchange mountains for skyscrapers after signing with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.
Linebacker Finn Stark from New Westminster Secondary School, fullback Quinn Mulligan from St. Paul’s High School and linebacker Jesse Amaral from Football North Clarkson will also be joining the Varsity Blues.
Deshawn Wong
There may be no place like home, but sometimes wandering souls need to venture beyond familiar lands. “I wanted a chance to move away from BC and explore other parts in Canada,” Wong said. “Also, the school is not only athletically known, but academically ranked as the highest school in Canada.”
He added that the world-class facilities and great school atmosphere appealed to him.
On top of that, Wong said, “The coaching staff has been great. All the coaches are knowledgeable and try to push you to (be) your best. They have really welcomed me into the Varsity Blues family.”
Wong, who is 6’3, 215lbs, is a dual-sport athlete. He spent most of his life playing basketball before switching to football last season. Originally from Burnaby, BC, he played with the Notre Dame Jugglers (BCSSFA) in high school. He will be taking criminology.
Finn Stark
Standing at 6’1, 200lbs, Stark currently lives out on the west coast in New Westminster, BC. There, he was a member of the New Westminster Hyacks (BCSSFA).
Quinn Mulligan
Also out west, albeit not as far, is Quinn Mulligan, who resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “I chose to commit to the University of Toronto because the opportunity presented was perfect for me both academically and athletically. The campus and facilities were very impressive and I felt at home during my visit,” he said.
“The type of offence that they run was also very appealing to me and I believe I can contribute to it,” Mulligan added. “I know Head Coach Marshall has a great reputation and I’m looking forward to playing for him. The coaches during my visit made me feel like I was already apart of the family. OC Coach Surya and Coach Cappiello were with me during most of my visit and they played a huge role and were very influential in my decision to commit.”
The 6’0, 220lbs athlete played with the St. Paul’s Crusaders (WHSFL) in high school. Before that, he spent six years with the Crescentwood Grizzlies. He is a two-time WHSFL provincial AAA championship in 2016 and 2017. He served as a captain for the Crusaders’ in his senior year.
Mulligan has been accepted into the Faculty of Kinesiology an and Physical Education. He said he intents to apply for medical school in the future.
With the new season on the horizon, Mulligan has a simple message to describe his overall feelings: “I’m pumped.”
Jesse Amaral
Jesse Amaral, who is 5’11, 200lbs, is a member of Football North Clarkson, a football preparatory program that plays its games in the United States. He has been a member of the team for two seasons. Before that, he played with the Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL) in his hometown of North York, Ontario. He is also a member of West Toronto Prep.
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
