Christmas came a little early this year for Langley Rams standout receiver Jevon Cottoy, as he has signed a multi-year contract with the BC Lions. The 22 year old Cottoy had an outstanding season with the Rams in 2018, hauling in 39 receptions for 657 yards and 9 touchdowns during the regular season. The playoffs are when Jevon took his game to another level hauling in 25 passes for 645 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns (8 receiving, 3 rushing) in just 4 games. It was a standout season for the Calgary native, as his Rams went on a second half regular season surge that saw them capture the 2018 Cullen Cup, defeat the Hamilton Hurricanes in the National Semi-Final, and then lose to a very tough Saskatoon Hilltops in the Canadian Bowl on a cold prairie day. The season ended for Cottoy and the Rams on the 17th of November on a frigid field in Saskatoon, but this off season was like no other Cottoy has experienced. Soon after the season, Cottoy learned of the BC Lions interest in signing him to a multi-year contract beginning in 2019. After discussions with his family, Cottoy decided to sign with the Lions, and looks forward to training camp in the spring. Like all other players, whether National or Import, Cottoy will have to earn his spot on the active roster at training camp, but he is looking forward to the challenge and is excited about what may lay ahead. “I am beyond grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to sign with the Lions.. I worked my butt off to get here and I can honestly say that I couldn’t be happier with everything” said Cottoy.
Head Coach of the Langley Rams Howie Zaron was excited but not surprised to learn of the Cottoy signing. “Jevon is one in a million with his size, football IQ, speed, power and athletic ability, he has it all. His commitment and dedication to his craft is outstanding.” Zaron said. Coach Zaron also touched on the character and work ethic of his graduated receiver. “There were a number of times he (Cottoy) had to be taken off the field in practice, as he was the first one jumping up for scout team reps. The number one thing I applaud about Jevon is his respect for everyone within the organization, from the water boys, to the scout team guys, to the starters” Zaron explained. Coach Howie pointed out that Cottoy will also be great asset off the field for the Lions. “He is the type that would volunteer in the community for kids and other community relations the Lions do. He will represent the Rams and the BCFC well as an alum, and we look forward to watching him as he starts his CFL journey” said Zaron.
Cottoy, enjoyed his season with the Rams and is ready for the next challenge and chapter in his football life. “My time with the Rams was wonderful, from the day I stepped on to the practice field, I was welcomed with nothing but open arms and big smiles. This meant a lot especially joining a brand new team in a province that was foreign to me. I am very appreciative of the organization, the players and coaching staff I had during the season,” recalled a smiling Cottoy. When asked what he is most looking forward to in 2019, Cottoy had this to say. “I am looking forward to meeting my new football family, my teammates and coaches and everyone with the Lions. Due to it being my first year, I am definitely ready to learn new things, build bonds and get acquainted with football at the professional level."
The signing and progression of Cottoy in the future can only be a good thing for Junior football in British Columbia, and something future players will see, and hopefully set similar goals for themselves. “This certainly puts a spotlight on the Langley Rams and the BCFC” added Rams bench boss Howie Zaron. “The guys before him, and now Jevon, show the Langley Rams are a solid organization that helps players achieve their ultimate goal. Recent Ram alum like Stef Charles and Nathan Shephard in the NFL, and guys like Malcolm Williams, Evan Foster, Adam Konar and Sean Whyte in the CFL, have all spent time and/or graduated from the Rams, so it’s great to see. Now having Jevon sign is a good thing not only for the Rams, but the BCFC as a whole ” Zaron mentioned.
Cottoy will now focus on the off-season, and the training needed to ensure he is physically ready when workouts start up in the early Spring and leading into Training Camp at the end of May. The 6’5, 230 pound Cottoy is a physical specimen, and was easily identified on the field without even checking his number in the game day program. “He stands out, without question, and looks like a pro athlete out on the field,” commented BCFC President Tyler McLaren, who also assists the Lions when it comes to Junior players in British Columbia. “The minute I saw Jevon and watched him run routes at a Rams off season throw around, I thought to myself, this guy can play and checks all the boxes for a guy wanting to play at the next level,” McLaren recalled. “As a league, and certainly the Rams in particular, we are all excited to see what Jevon does next, as the sky is the limit for him.” according to McLaren.
BC Lions Director of Football Operations Neil McEvoy, echoed the sentiments of McLaren about Cottoy. “He has pro size and athletic ability that we will always be looking for in players,” stated McEvoy. “Jevon had a tremendous 2018 season, and we look forward to seeing him compete for a position at the pro level,’ McEvoy added. As for future players potentially following in Jevon’s footsteps, McEvoy gave props to the teams, coaches and the Conference as a whole. “The BC Lions once again are able to benefit from the hard work and dedication of the BCFC coaches and everything they put into their individual programs,” McEvoy added.
It will be an exciting 2019 for the BC Lions, and the entire British Columbia Football Conference wishes the Lions and Jevon nothing but the best of luck
