Andrew Robillard knows playing University football as a quarterback is not easy, but he says he's up for the challenge.
"It is tough right," admitted the 18-year-old NDA offensive MVP with the Algonquin Barons last year.
"I believe there are 27 USport teams in Canada so if you are a quarterback within that five-year age difference, you are fighting for one in 27 starting spots in all of Canada so you keep working, you learn under your program.
Robillard committed to Bishop's University, located near Sherbrooke in the eastern townships of Quebec.
"They reached out to me in December and they had a lot of interest, and I committed two months ago and since I have been here about 10 days, it has been great, it has been awesome," he said.
"Coach Sam Gendreau (offensive coordinator/quarterback coach) has been great, I have been learning a lot from him in the past week."
Ryan Desbiens, Barons senior football head coach says the first things that come to mind about Robillard are hard work and dedication.
"He’s a kid who has put in the time on the field to improve and to get better," said Desbiens.
"In my experience, the majority of kids talk about doing it, but it’s a small minority that actually go out and do it. 'Robi' falls in that small minority. Since grade 9, he took his off-season training sessions seriously and really focussed on improving his skills such as his footwork, throwing mechanics, etc.
"To see his progression from grade 9 to now is very rewarding because not everyone with potential succeeds. He is. Hard work and dedication are often times what separate those who succeed and those who don’t."
Robillard credits coach Desbiens for pushing him along the way. The former AAA goaltender also gives credit to his dad, Todd Robillard, for coaching him in both sports.
"He has helped me a ton, I don't know where I would be without him," Andrew said about his dad, who is a well-known local goalie coach.
"He has done so much for me which has been with hockey and football getting me in contact with a bunch of great coaches and trainers and stuff to help me prepare for the next level so it has been awesome having him in my corner."
Robillard sees parallels between goaltending and quarterback.
"I think it does because as a goalie and a quarterback, it is mental. It is a lot harder than a lot of other positions in my mind so there is a lot that goes into it," he said.
Robillard admits getting to this level of football is a process.
"I am on the team as a quarterback but my idea is to redshirt this year to keep as many years of eligibility as possible," said Robillard.
Ironically, Robillard is not even the only North Bay quarterback at Bishop's University as West Ferris Trojans alum Mason McGriskin will be entering his junior season with the Gaiters in 2022.
