CFL.ca will profile a number of key Canadian university prospects leading up to the CFL Evaluation Camp from March 12-14 in Toronto. Today we feature three defensive stalwarts from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Brian Snelgrove
CFL.ca
They had the stingiest defence in the OUA last year. They gave up the fewest points in the loop (136) and allowed just 17 points per game.
It should come as no surprise then that three players from the Laurier Golden Hawks defence are headed to this year’s CFL E-Camp. That’s more than from any other university in the country.
“Our defence has been the heart and soul of our team the last few years,” says Head Coach Gary Jeffries. “And these three guys have certainly been a big part of it.”
Cornerback Taurean Allen is a three-time OUA all-star (2007, ’08 and ‘09) who started his football career as a wide receiver. In 2006 the speedster from Etobicoke, Ont. tried out for that position as part of Team Canada at the World Junior Championships. Due to a surplus of receivers and because of Allen’s speed, the coaching staff convinced him to try out at cornerback. The 23 year-old agreed to the switch and made the team.
“It was actually a pretty easy transition,” he says. “So when I came to Laurier it was easy to jump to that side of the ball.”
It also explains why the outstanding defender looks up to Arland Bruce III – one of the best receivers in the CFL – as a role model. “He is the man,” says Allen. “His playing ability, his value to the team. That’s why I wear #5. I am a big fan of Mr. Bruce.”
Allen also played in last year’s CIS East-West Bowl and was named CIS All-Canadian in 2007. He has been a team captain the last two seasons and is proud to be part of such a formidable defence. “It starts with the coaching,” says the fourth year Communications student. “Our coaches have the ability to find the right place for the right guys.”
The 5’11” 195 lbs. defender, who hopes to be a police officer or personal trainer after university, will focus for the time being on E-Camp. “It’s very flattering to get invited to the camp,” he says. ”I have worked so hard the last eight years and it is great to be part of such a prestigious event. Speed will be my number one asset. It allows me to do a lot of different things and I can take more risks and make up for any mistakes.”
“Taurean is one of the best lock-down corner guys in the country,” says Jeffries. “He has tremendous speed and his man-to-man coverage is excellent. He is a very bright young man with a good understanding of the game. He has the willingness to prepare in all facets of the game.”
Chima Ihekwoaba is a 6’4” 260 lbs. defensive end from Burlington, Ont. who missed most of last season following a shoulder injury in the third game of the year. “That was a defining moment for me,” says Ihekwoaba. “You could let it break you or let it make you and I decided it was going to make me. I went back to the gym and was determined to get back to the level I wanted to be at.”
The hard work paid off as it earned the 21 year-old Communications major a trip to this year’s E-Camp. Prior to the start of last season he had played in the East-West Bowl.
“I am really excited,” says Ihekwoaba, who hopes to pursue a career in public relations after he graduates. “My speed, quickness and ability to get to the quarterback on every single passing down should help me a lot at the camp. I try to be relentless on every play.”
Ihekwoaba admires former B.C. Lion players Cameron Wake and Rickey Foley.
“These guys show the physical attributes that a defensive end can use in any system,” says the fourth year student who has pretty outstanding physical attributes himself – he could dunk a basketball when he was in Grade 10, “Their range and speed really impresses me and motivates me a lot. Especially Foley, being a Canadian. He sets the bar for Canadian defensive ends. They have both spurred me on to get faster and bigger.”
Ihekwoaba’s older brother, Uggonna, attended the Toronto Argonauts 2008 training camp and also helps to motivate him. “He showed me what it means to be there every day,” says Ihekwoaba. “It’s helped me aspire to being the best I can be. If I’m in the weight room I want to be the strongest, if I’m on the track I want to be the fastest. I want to be noticed.”
“His quickness, size and strength will really help him,” says Jeffries about E-Camp. “He will test right off the page. He has tremendous speed for a big kid. He is a physical specimen. Chima will be one of the most powerful players on whatever roster he ends up on.”
Giancarlo Rapanaro is, without question, one of the most versatile players on the Laurier football team.
During his time with the Golden Hawks the 23 year-old Niagara Falls, Ont. native has played defensive back, linebacker, cornerback and receiver. In high school he played soccer, basketball, football and excelled in the 100m, the 200m and the high jump.
“I think my versatility is my biggest asset,” says Rapanaro. “My attitude is give me the opportunity to get on the field in any position and I am going to make some plays.”
The Kinesiology and Physical Education Major was an OUA all-star linebacker in both 2008 and ’09. He was also named a second team All-Canadian last year. In 2007, he was selected Laurier’s Defensive Impact Player of the Year.
Rapanaro was a team captain last season and credits his coaches with much of his personal and team’s development. “We have amazing defensive plans,” he says. “They are very complex but the coaches make sure we have the right guys in place. They make it very easy to play the position.”
“I hope to turn some heads and put up some good numbers at E-Camp,” adds Rapanaro. “I want to do well in the drills. I know I can play if given the opportunity.”
“He is a tremendous all-round athlete who excels in all aspects of the game,” says Jeffries. “He has great speed and great quickness. I compare Giancarlo to Ian Logan who is currently starting for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.”
“Yeah for sure, I see Ian Logan as a role model,” agrees Rapanaro. “He is from around here (Waterloo) and I see him quite a bit. He is really humble and is always asking how I am doing. He is also a great player. He has a real confidence about him and that inspires me.”
“The three of them are workaholics,” says Jeffries of his exceptional trio of defenders. “They are all very physical, well-developed with great speed and quickness. They are three pretty terrific kids that should all get an opportunity to play at the next level.”
