WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Acadia University and Football head coach Jeff Cummins announced today the commitment of three individuals to the Axemen squad this coming fall.

From South Surrey, B.C., William Taras will be an addition to the Axemen's receiving corp. A 6'1" 215 lbs. tight end / slot back, Taras played for the Vancouver College Fighting Irish, who finished in second place at the B.C. high school AAA provincial championships in 2016.

From St. Lazare, Que., Darcy Thibaudeau is a 6' 200 lbs. linebacker addition to the Axemen. Two seasons with the John Abbott College Islanders (CEGEP), Darcy lost in semi-final action in post season play. A tenacious linebacker, Darcy is expected to complement a very talented linebacking squad.

Ottawa, Ont. native Brandon McDonald rounds out the most recent announcement of committed recruits.

A 5' 11", 220 lbs. running back, McDonald was named the Most Valuable Back for the Renfrew Collegiate Institute for his two years as a Junior team member.

McDonald was named the Most Valuable Offensive Player with the Nepean Eagles Midget team of the NCAFA (National Capital Football Association) and played for the OPFL (Ontario Provincial Football League) Ottawa Sooners in 2016. In 2016, McDonald was a member of Team Ontario that played in the International Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

"We've been in the process of recruiting these guys for a long time, and they all have signed on the bottom line", said Acadia head coach Jeff Cummins.

Cummins added, "Brandon and Will are two more pieces that will take our offence to another level next year in the backfield and at the H back position. Darcy is a multi talented linebacker, who I know will come in and battle right away on specials within a very talented linebacker group."

"Everyone associated with our football program, recent and past, has done a great job to bring great talent from across the country and this entire class fits right in with the culture of Axemen student/athletes already on campus", noted Cummins. "It's been an up and down 2017 Winter but I believe the recruiting class we have, along with the veterans returning from injury, equals a lot to get excited about this fall."

The Axemen open the AUS regular season on the road against the Mount Allison Mounties in Sackville, N.B. on Saturday, August 26 and follow up with their season home opener against the AUS's newest member Bishops Gaiters on Saturday, September 2.