Toronto adds one Ontario and one out-of-province commit to their Class of 2017.
It’s time for some big city living for Gabriel Savage, a linebacker from École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité, who will be trekking down from the forests of northern Ontario to make a name for himself in the urban jungle signing with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Zach Folan, a linebacker from Rundle College, will also be joining the Varsity Blues.
Gabriel Savage
Courtesy of Gabriel Savage.
It didn’t take Gabriel Savage very long before he realized that his future lies with in Toronto. “Everything about the university amazed me. The coaching staff welcomed me with open arms and right when I met them, I knew that this was the place for me. After my tour of the school, I had truly felt a sense of belonging with the university,” Savage said. “I could tell that Head Coach Greg has as much of a passion for the sport of football as I do.”
On April 28, 2017, Savage had participated in the Hamilton edition of the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge. The day following his game, he put pen to paper, instantly signed his letter of intent upon its offering.
Standing at 5’11, 210lbs, Savage has a particular passion for health and fitness. “I have devoted myself to getting very big, strong and fast for the upcoming university football seasons,” he said.
But, there is a time for football, and then there is a time for academics. Savage, who will be taking criminology with the intent of attending Toronto’s law school, said he also committed to the school because of its academic reputation.
“I’ve learnt in the past two years that you have to work as hard in the classroom as you do on the football field or even the weight room,” Savage added.
Hailing from the small, northern Ontario town of Sturgeon Falls, his career has spanned five years. Starting in grade eight, he played with the North Bay Junior Bulldogs. While in high school, he played with the Franco-Cité Patriotes in the Nipissing District Athletics. Before joining the U Sports ranks, he will be playing summer ball with the Nipissing Wild (Ontario Football Conference). This past season, he was named the NDA linebacker of the year. The voting for this award encompasses all five schools in the division.
“I am someone who strongly believes that dreams do come true and that hard work definitely pays off. Playing university football has been a dream of mine ever since I first stepped foot on the gridiron,” Savage said. “I will keep working hard and striving for success for as long as I live. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”
Zach Folan
Fellow linebacker Zach Folan is 6’3, 190lbs and hails form Calgary, Alberta. He played with the Rundle College Cobras (Big Rock League).
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