Western lands first #CFC100 recruit (VIDEO)

British Columbia linebacker joins OUA team’s 2016 class

Western Mustangs have extended their tradition of attracting talent from across the nation.

Today, the team has announced the addition of #CFC100 Chris Ellis to their football program.

Ellis, the 6’1, 205 pound linebacker from North Vancouver, British Columbia, will join the Mustangs for the 2016 OUA season.

With his commitment, Ellis becomes the Mustangs first #CFC100 recruit for their 2016 recruiting class.

“Chris is a tremendous student-athlete who excels both in the classroom and on the football field,” commented Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall.  “His athleticism and toughness is a welcome addition to our defence.”

The defensive standout comes to Western after completing his career with Vancouver College Fighting Irish of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). This past fall, Ellis shattered the Fighting Irish’s records for most career tackles (247) and single varsity season (130).  Additionally, he recorded six sacks and scored four touchdowns.

Throughout his career, the #CFC100 recruit has received numerous honours including BCHSFA ‘AAA’ Defensive MVP (2015), Subway Bowl Most Outstanding Lineman (2015), BCHSFA Football Scholarship Award (2015) and BCHSFA ‘AAA’ All-Star Selection (2014).  Moreover, he was a team captain during the 2015 season.

Overall, Eliis’ playmaking abilities and game mentality will be assets to the Mustangs defence in future years.

“Chris is an outstanding linebacker who is an instinctive football player, has a tremendous motor and is always around the ball,” described Mustangs Recruiting Coordinator Tom Flaxman of the team’s newest addition.

For his part, there were three distinctive factors that prompted the British Columbia defensive standout to opt for Western.  One of those reasons was his academic pursuits.

“My interest is in the area of Kinesiology with the ultimate goal of heading into medicine was why I committed,” explained Eliis.  “Western’s program was ideally suited to what I want to pursue and will provide me with an opportunity for a great education.”

“The academic facilities I saw were exceptionally good with the addition of an impressive new sciences building that I look forward to spending time in. The emphasis on academic support through the football program was also a deciding factor.”

Secondly, the campus atmosphere he experienced and saw first-hand during his official visit weighed heavily on his decision.

“After spending time there I was very impressed with how comfortable everyone made me feel from coaches to players to even other students,” reflected the British Columbia linebacker.  “One of the biggest factors in my decision making was that I already felt like I was at home at the campus.”

“I liked how the students were accommodated in residence and the close proximity of the football facilities to the residences. I also enjoyed the state of the art athletic centre.”

Finally, the reputation and strength of the football program as well as the opportunity to contribute early on the team’s defence sealed the deal for Ellis.

“Knowing how successful the Western program has been for a number of years, meeting Coach Marshall, Coach Flaxman and the support staff made a difficult decision for me much easier,” recalled the #CFC100 linebacker.  “In speaking with the coaching staff, it was clear to me I’ll have the opportunity to compete for a role early in my career.”

“I look forward to contributing to the team and being teammates with a strong recruiting class going forward for the next four to five years.”

With the #CFC100 linebacker’s commitment, the Mustangs continue their long standing tradition in securing top recruits in the nation but also the prototypical team recruit. Ultimately, the team is ecstatic to welcome their newest addition to the fold.

“It became clear early on Chris’s visit that he would be a great fit on our team,” expressed Flaxman.  “We are very excited he decided to join Western family.”

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