Varsity Blues haul in ‘good group of players’

Toronto brings in two American and two Ontario commits.

Elijah Graham, a running back from Henry Ford High School, better get used to winter, the Toronto Raptors and Drake now that he has signed with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Brian Escott, a linebacker from Nantyr Shores Secondary School, Cade Wykes, a wide receiver from Thousand Islands Secondary School and Namgyu Kang, a kicker from North Allengheny High School will also be joining the Blues for the 2017 season.

“It is a good group of players that are going to help us in all aspects of the game. We are excited to have them be Blues in the fall,” Joe Cappiello, the Varsity Blues’ recruitment coordinator, said about the team’s most recent commits.

Elijah Graham

When Graham laid his eyes on the University of Toronto campus, nestled among the skyscrapers and cityscape of downtown Toronto, it was instant astonishment. “I chose Toronto because it is the most beautiful campus I’ve ever seen,” he said, adding that he is interested in cinema studies.

The sights and sounds may have drawn him in, but it was the coaches that made him stay. “The coaches treated my family like family before I welcomed them into my family. That said a lot,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff to get behind.”

The 6’0, 170lbs running back and cornerback is an all-country and all-state athlete. Originally from Sterling Heights, Michigan, he spent his high school career with the Henry Ford Falcons. He has also played with the Bemis Spartans in junior high and SFC Thundercats in his 120year career. In his conference, he has the fastest 40-yard dash and the longest board jump.

“I take a lot of pride in being an all-around athlete as I do powerlift and run track as well. I get stronger everyday and it is just to put on a spectacular performance for the coaches that believe in me,” he said.

Brian Escott

Brian Escott is coming from Cookstown, Ontario, which is north of Toronto, and won’t have far to travel to get to the University of Toronto campus.

“I chose UofT because I love the program they got going on, a real family atmosphere and great facilities. I feel like the university is a good fit for me and I can excel in both my academics and athletics,” Escott said.

In high school, the 6’1, 210lbs potential criminology student suited up with the Nantyr Shores Tritons (Georgian Bay Secondary Schools Association) for four years. Now, he will get to play for what he called an incredible coaching staff.

“I want to buy in to their system and take advantage of all the resources the university has to offer,” Escott said. “I’m just really grateful for the opportunity I have and I’m excited to become a Varsity Blue.”

The two-time Nantyr Shores top defensive player also spent eight years with TNT Express Football. He is a two-time Express MVP and top defensive player. In 2014, he won a GBSSA championship.

Brian Escott signs to play football next year with the University of Toronto. @WeTheShores @SCDSB_Schools #Triton Pride pic.twitter.com/DiEFwAIQhn

— Nantyr Shores (@nsstritons) January 19, 2017

Cade Wykes
Cade Wykes is 6’1, 170lbs and although he has signed on as a wide receiver, he has played as a cornerback before. In high school, he played with the Thousand Islands Pirates (Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association). In 2015, he played with the Rideau Redblacks (National Capital Amateur Football Association). The following year, he was a team captain for the Pirates. Aside from football, he has also run track for two years.

Namgyu Kang
Namgyu Kang will be bringing his kicking talents north of the border from Wexford, Pennsylvania, which is north of Pittsburgh. He has played three years with the North Allegheny High School Tigers. In 2016, he was also part of the Special Teams Academy.