Media Release: EOS7 Roster Reveal
Coming off a successful 2022-23 campaign, the Eastern Ontario Select 7s are looking to take a big step forward! Heading to even more high profile events this 2023-24 season, we are excited to continue to provide international exposure and competitive opportunities with elite talent across North America. These opportunities have helped place over 20 athletes at the USPORT level!
This year’s EOS 7 season will begin with a bang in January as we travel to Michigan for Midnight Madness. This will be a great test for our u18 squad.
Below is the u18 roster for the highly anticipated 2023-24 season
The captains for 2023 EOS7’s are: Jack Howell (Team Captain), Dante Law (Offensive Captain). Mason Salati (Defensive Captain) and Matt Mignault (Defensive Captain) — all athletes are class of 2023.
Kicking off our captains list is the 5’9 ATH/slot Jack Howell, the true definition of a gritty leader. Jack, who is currently playing his final NCAFA season, possesses elite quickness at the slot receiver position with experience at RB and QB. In six games, Jack has 38 touches, 780 yards and 10 touchdowns. Playing consistently with passion and tempo while competing for the ball at all times, Jack’s sure hands and crisp routes often leave defenders off balance. Some would say Jack resembles former USPORT standout Kyle Van Wynsberg (Carleton). Off the field, Jack is also a high achieving student with an 83% overall average and is looking to pursue his academic and athletic careers at either Ottawa U, Queen’s or Windsor. Jack has been selected as our team captain for his selfless leadership capabilities and for his reliable performance on the field.
Our offensive captain Dante Law stands 6'0 and possesses legitimate track speed. His burst and ability to create space vertically down the field separates him from the pack. Dante’s route running has come a long way and his ceiling athletically is very high. As a testament, Dante was awarded Team MVP for Sydenham HS last year and also won a character award for our EOS7’s team last year. Dante’s USPORT comparisons are Clarke Barnes (Guelph) and Nathan Mboma (Waterloo). Dante is also highly academic with a 90% average and an interest in kinesiology.
Our defence is captained by Mason Salati and Matt Mignault. Mason Salati (5'10), a returning athlete to our program, has taken giant leaps as a football player over the last two seasons. Mason is extremely coachable, always in the right spot, and leads with his actions. Mason’s footwork/technique is solid and will definitely help him get on the field at the next level. Mason’s USPORT comparison is Dylan Bell (ST. FX).
Matt Mignault (5 '9) is a smooth back-pedalling, speedy DB with the ability to return kicks/punt at the USPORT level. Most notable is Matt’s body control — you will notice right away that he is always under control and has no wasted body movements in and out of his breaks. Matt’s USPORT comparison is Justin Holland (ST. FX). Matt is slightly smaller than Holland but slightly quicker as well. We expect to see Matt on a USPORT field next year.
Our receiving core is bolstered by seniors Nephi Da Silva (5’10) & Amar Leonard (5’9). Nephi and Amar both possess 4.5 laser speed and elite quickness. The shifty slot receivers will be very tough covers for opposing defences as we hit the circuit. USPORT coaches looking for speed and explosiveness need to take a look at these two. We have a solid group of grade 11’s in the mix as well this year in WR Liam Saumure (6 '2, 185 lb), WR Ryan McFeeters (6' 1, 185 lb) & Ryker Brunette (5 '10 ATH). We have one sophomore on our roster in Skyler Wansbrough who stands 6 '2 180 lbs and is in the mix to start this year.
Our defence is the strongest it has been since the inception of our program in 2019-20. Rounding off our defence, we have Queen’s commit Jackson Faulds (6 '1, 200lbs), Grayson Patry (5' 11, 165 lbs) class of 2023 whose top schools are UofT, Queen’s, Carleton & Laurier. We also have sophomore Kiah Oare and previously mentioned Mason Salati and Matt Mignault. Liam Saumure and Jack Howell will also see time on this side of the ball.
This season we have two quarterbacks in our u18 program: Mackie Holmes and Braeden Medd. Mackie Holmes is coming off his final u16 OSFL season where he led the Cumberland Panthers to the tier 1 finals. Mackie was named the OSFL Quarterback of the Year. Mackie’s top USPORT programs are Western, Queen’s and UOttawa.
Braeden Medd is coming off a very successful year. Braeden won the KASSA finals MVP, Regi JR football MVP, track sprint MVP, OFSAA swim relay award, as well as top junior student athlete. Braeden was recognized as the MVP in the OSFL tier 2 finals as well this summer. Braeden’s top 4 USPORT programs are Guelph, Queen’s, ST. FX and UBC.
With this line-up, we are surely in store for a great season. Our team practices have begun and we are very excited to get rolling with this talented group of athletes!
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