Guelph lands dynamic receiver

The Guelph Gryphons football program is hoping lightning strikes twice when it comes to signing a receiver from Saint Francis.

The Gryphons hit a home run in 2011 when they signed Alex Charette, who went on to have a pro career in the CFL with Montreal and Toronto, and they would love to get the same result with recent signee Trent Dobson.

Charette, now Guelph’s strength and conditioning and receivers coach, loves what he sees in Dobson.

“What I like about him the most is his tenacity. Obviously everyone can see his athleticism is elite, his speed is elite and his strength is elite but it is his tenacity and work ethic that is really going to separate him. We are so lucky to have him at Guelph.”

Charette envisions a bright future for Dobson.

“He’s coming from the same high school that I did and I went all the way to pro. With his work ethic, tenacity and natural talent and as long as he does the right things in the next four years he could be in that conversation about playing in the CFL,” he said. “But a lot of work has to go in from now until then but he is ahead of where I was talent-wise coming out of high school.”

John Casasanta, Guelph’s Niagara recruiter, has always been a big proponent of Dobson’s abilities.

“We are thrilled to have signed one of the best high school football players in Niagara, an exceptional receiver who possesses remarkable speed, agility, and hands. His ability to make game-changing plays and his understanding of the game set him apart from his peers,” he said. “Beyond his athletic prowess, he demonstrates a strong work ethic and a passion for the sport that inspires those around him. We believe that adding him to our program will not only enhance our offensive capabilities but also elevate the overall competitiveness of our team. His leadership qualities and commitment to excellence make him a perfect fit for our program’s culture and goals.”

Dobson had interest from several other schools, including Queen’s, Western and McMaster, but Guelph was the 17-year-old St. Catharines resident’s preferred destination.

“I love all of the coaches. Right over there is Alex Charette who went to this school and played in the CFL. He is an inspiration for me, for sure, and I love the head coach. It was a gut feeling that it is the right place for me.”

His decision to attend Guelph was solidified when he visited the school.

“I got to do a workout with Alex and I knew that it was the right place.”

He also attended the team’s homecoming game versus Waterloo.

The future criminal justice major realized he had a chance to play football at the post secondary level during his final year of junior football.

“I started talking to coaches a little bit that year but they couldn’t reach out until Grade 11. I knew then that I wanted to play at the university level and I thought that I could.”

The Grade 12 student has already started a workout program given to him by Guelph.

“I am going to hit the field as much as I can, lift as much as I can and work out as much as I can.”

He feels he took a big jump in his football abilities from Grade 9 to Grade 10 and from Grade 11 to Grade 12.

“I put a lot of work in this year and I got a lot stronger and faster.”

Last summer, he was on the field almost every day.

“My friends and I from Myer, Noah Walters and Travis Boland, were on the field all the time. We would go to the field and then we would go lift.”

The six foot, 170-pounder can’t wait to get started on the next chapter of his football career.

“I am looking forward to playing and I am really fortunate to be able to do that for more years because football doesn’t last forever. I want to make it last as long as I can.”

He has set lofty goals for his first season as a Gryphon.

“I want to dress my first year and score my first touchdown. Who knows, maybe rookie of the year. Something like that would be awesome.”

Clearly, he doesn’t lack confidence.

“Confidence is very important. I think I gained a lot of confidence playing at this high school. I have a lot of film and watching myself play. I realize I am a good athlete and I can play.”

He describes himself as a quick, athletic receiver with good hands.

Dobson began playing flag football in Grade 7 and suited up in tackle football when he entered Saint Francis in Grade 9.

“I fell in love with football in Grade 7 and I decided to play in Grade 9 and it kind of exploded from there. Everyone was good and going uphill.”

Dobson and his teammates won the Niagara Catholic Athletic Association junior title in his Grade 10 year against Notre Dame. This season, Saint Francis narrowly lost 20-18 to Notre Dame in the senior final with Dobson finishing a close second in voting for league offensive MVP.

“I thought we might have them again but not quite. That was also an awesome game.”

Dobson has yet to play summer travel football but is considering playing for the Niagara Spears in 2025.

He is a huge fan of football.

“There is no other sport like football. My whole life I have always played sports and I really love football. It is the sport I want to play.”