Simon Fraser University head football coach Kelly Bates signed his first recruit today when wide receiver Justin (J.J.) DesLauriers from Saint Thomas More Collegiate committed to the Clan. Simon Fraser has signed six athletes to date in its 2015 recruiting class.
DesLauriers is a well-known family name in Canadian football. J.J. is a nephew of UBC Hall of Fame defensive back Laurent DesLauriers, who played for the Thunderbirds in the 1980s, went on to play five seasons in the CFL, and later coached at both UBC and SFU. J.J.’s cousin, Anthony, played at SFU and was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the sixth round of the 2009 CFL Draft. Another cousin, Mark, also played for the Clan.
“Of all the schools I visited I felt most comfortable at SFU,” said DesLauriers. “I enjoyed my visit and it just felt like home for me. Both of my cousins loved their experience at SFU, and after hearing what they had to say, I decided it was the school for me. “I also wanted to play four-down football against the best competition you can play against in Canada.”
The 5-foot-11, 160-pound DesLauriers played wide receiver and defensive back for STM, and capped his senior season with a selection to the B.C. high school AAA all-star team. Watch video of DesLauriers here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3043957/highlights/175670381/v2
“I had a tremendous conversation with Justin, he’s a bright kid,” said Bates. “His questions were thoughtful, he wants to be a part of something here, and school matters to him. He is exactly the type of person we want.”
Simon Fraser has also received commitments from 5-11, 190-pound running back Nathan Kyaeme from Proctor Academy in Ontario. The Markham, Ont., native is a powerful ball carrier with excellent speed and was a first team All-NEPSAC and 2014 NFTC Invitee. Watch video here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3210068/highlights/203081378/v2
Also joining the Clan is 6-2, 250-pound offensive lineman Kyle Nelson of Frank Hurt Secondary School in Surrey.
Simon Fraser will begin spring practice on March 12 at 5 p.m. on Terry Fox Field.
Previous Clan Recruits
Will Kinnaird, Port Coquitlam
Offensive Lineman, Terry Fox Secondary
Kinnaird is a 6-5 and 280-pound offensive lineman who played tackle and guard for the Terry Fox Ravens. He also excels in the classroom and received the 2014 B.C. high school football Infigo scholarship.
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3194809/highlights/186305375/v2
Shaquille Naicker, Coquitlam
Defensive Lineman, Pitt Meadows Secondary
Naicker is a 6-2 and 260-pound defensive tackle with a 3.3 grade point average at Pitt Meadows. In nine games this season, he registered 36 tackles, three sacks and had two fumble recoveries. "Shaquille has exceptional first-step quickness and instincts, and is an aggressive and physical player," said SFU recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach, Bryan Wyllie. Naicker also throws the shot put for the Maruaders track and field team. Naicker will join classmate Graham Smith, who signed a national letter of Intent to play basketball with the Clan, on campus next year. Smith's story is here: http://athletics.sfu.ca/news/2014/12/10/MBB_1210144121.aspx?path=mbball
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2002487/highlights/134204134/v2
Ovie Odjegba, Vancouver
Running Back, Vancouver College
Odejba, a 5-10, 170-pound running back, is among the career rushing leaders at Vancouver College. Earlier this season, Odjegba set a school record with 363 yards rushing on 28 carries to help lead Vancouver College to a win over arch-rival St. Thomas More, 50-32. During the game, he scored on a 90-yard run that was the longest run from scrimmage in school history, and he scored three touchdowns. "Odjegba possesses excellent speed, quickness and change of direction skills," said SFU recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach, Bryan Wyllie.
