Draft:Yahya Huwaiti

Yahya Ziyad Huwaiti is a 5'10" 155lbs Canadian Football player for the NCAFA (National Capital Amateur Football Association). In early 2021, he tried out for the Gatineau Vikings Bantam team and was recruited to second team as a Wide Reciever #88. His second year for the Gatineau Gaulois is when his career really started to kick off. He tried out as a Receiver at first which was going well until the team needed DB's. He then tried out for Defensive Back which he then was recruited to first team and was named the starting Cornerback for the team. Gaulois' head coach gave him the number #21 because of his similarities in coverage to Deion Sanders. In his first ever game against the Nepean Broncos, Yahya had 3 tackles, 2 pass deflections and 4 targets.

Approaching his second game against the North Gloucester Giants, Yahya was confident due to his performance in the beginning of the season. He said his main weakness was his size difference against some of the receivers. At a humble 155lbs, great coverage is essential and physicality is a nerve that the receivers have been hitting. Late in the game, in an attempt to make a tackle, his left leg bent the wrong way and was taken out of the game. Fortunately, it was nothing serious and he just needed a break to go see the trainer. Shortly after he was cleared to go back in the game, the offense was running the ball and when trying to make a play, one of the Giants' star receiver was flagged when holding Yahya to try and make a "pancake block" which Yahya then retaliated and kicked him in the chest. Yahya was taken out of the game until further investigation.

Upon interviewing Yahya, he told us that he started losing the love for Football. He mentioned that the NCAFA players he was playing against are more interested in their highlight reel than having fun. Yahya reminded us that he too was trying to make highlights and big plays on the ball, but he didn't completely forget about his enjoyment of the sport. He said that it was the reason he quit midseason; "It's bad for the game, make's me upset that it's so easy to lose a burning passion for the sport." said Yahya. When we asked him if he was playing in the 2024 season, he replied with: "I love the boys in purple, but if I am going back, I'm going as a receiver, that is where my heart is. Don't get me wrong, DB is amazing, but with my IQ and speed, I can do great things on offense." In the matter of deciding what position he wants to play. It's safe to say Yahya will be back on the line of scrimmage, starting July 2024.