The top prospects in Canadian football have been named, and two Yorkton players are on the roster. The Canadafootballchat.com prospect game can’t take place due to COVID-19, but the selection camps were held, and the rosters released to celebrate the efforts of the players named. Last year, the first game was aired on TSN, and the game itself has Henry Burris and Matt Dunigan serve as head coaches for the two different teams.
Running back Garrett Ellis and defensive tackle Reece McCormick have both been named to the roster, Ellis on Team Burris and McCormick on Team Dunigan. The grade 12 students were both thrilled to be part of the roster.
“It’s pretty mind-blowing. It sucks that COVID isn’t letting the game happen, but it’s still good to be noticed as one of the top prospects in Canada. I’m still pretty shocked about it,” said McCormick.
“I’ve been putting in the work, and it’s good to know it’s paying off and I’m getting noticed,” said Ellis.
McCormick said that one of the most important things about being named on the roster is that prospective coaches will see it, and they’re a big part of a player’s future in the sport.
Had the game taken place, the two would have been on opposing teams, and they view it as a missed opportunity. Because McCormick had a knee injury, they weren’t really ever on the field together, not even in practice.
“If the game was going on, it would have been nice to tackle my buddy,” said McCormick.
While COVID-19 has made staying in shape difficult, both are grateful that the gyms are still open and have been spending a great deal of time there keeping in shape. McCormick said he has also purchased a large amount of gym equipment so he can work out at home as well.
McCormick currently doesn’t know what’s going on next year. He’s currently waiting to find out what is happening with his knee, and is considering either going to Calgary on a full scholarship or playing Junior football to “knock the rust off.”
Ellis just committed to the University of Toronto a couple days ago. He said it settles the nerves to know where he’s going and what’s next for his football career. He’s planning to study kinesiology, and eventually study physiotherapy.
