Lancers add local linebackers to mix
Ravens teammates Chamberlain, Van Espen commit to U of W
The University of Windsor Lancers’ football team continued to tap into the local talent pool Friday with two more players committing to the program.
Rik Van Espen of Sandwich high school and Leamington’s Matt Chamberlain, who were teammates with the Essex Ravens, announced they will attend the University of Windsor next year.
“We think they are two of the top linebackers in the area and really in Ontario,” Lancers head coach Joe D’Amore said.
“We’re excited for them to stay home and we project over the next four or five years that they will become leaders.”
The two linebacker prospects join fellow Ravens teammate and Villanova high school graduate Nick Simone, who committed to the program last month.
“Me and Matt started talking after Nick signed,” the 17-yearold Van Espen said. “It kind of got us excited to play university and it definitely was a deciding factor.”
The addition of Van Espen and Chamberlain bring to nearly 40 the number of players from the Ravens’ program now on the Windsor roster.
“It’s almost like a family reunion and bringing your family back,” the 18-year-old Chamberlain said.
The sixfoot- one, 215 pound Van Espen was captain of Team Ontario’s under- 18 team that won the bronze medal at Football Canada Cup. “The thing about Van Espen is he’s a physical kid and has a good football IQ,” D’Amore said.
“He plays middle linebacker, which is what we’re looking for, and he’s kind of the quarterback of the defence.”
An OVFL all-star this past season, Van Espen said he was sold once he sat down with D’Amore, associate head coach/defensive co-ordinator Donnavan Carter and recruiting co-ordinator/special teams co-ordinator Steve Snyder, who also coaches with the Ravens.
“I went into the meeting and I was not 100 per cent sure,” Van Espen said. “I sat down and everything just felt right. I can’t describe it, but everything just clicked.”
Chamberlain was a little more under the radar than Van Espen, who finished seventh and sixth respectively in defensive scoring for the Ravens this season.
“Matt’s a neat guy,” D’Amore said.
“He doesn’t get a lot of (attention) because he plays in Leamington and plays in the Arnott, but he’s long and really athletic.
“We project him at Will linebacker and he does things Frank Renaud did when he came in and gets after the quarterback.”
The six-foot-two, 215-pound Chamberlain was the Arnott Division’s top defensive player a year ago and was named the Ravens’ most dedicated player.
“I’ve been kind of low key,” Chamberlain said.
“Playing for Leamington, I don’t say much. There’s a lot of guys that make highlight films and send them out. I just play football and if you want to talk, I’ll talk.
“Fortunately, Windsor came through.
“Seeing what they’re doing, having connections to the Ravens and hometown connections made me want to stay here.”