Hawaii lures cornerback from Montreal

South Pacific’s football team — the University of Hawaii — went north to secure a commitment from a defensive back from Montreal.

Jeremie “Jay” Dominique told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors and will enroll for UH’s spring semester. He is expected to compete in spring training, which opens Feb. 20. He will have five years to play four UH seasons.

Dominique, who is 6 feet 1 and 193 pounds, drew attention because of his coverage skills in Canadian football. In Canada’s version, the field is wider and receivers are permitted running starts before the football is snapped.

“You’ve got guys running at you who’ve had a head start,” Dominique said. “Before they get to the line of scrimmage, they probably have a 15-yard start coming at you.”

But Dominique did well enough to earn inclusion on All-Quebec teams.

He also was set to attend Buffalo on a football scholarship before deciding to send a highlight video to the UH coaches. He said he was intrigued with the Rainbow Warriors after watching their games and studying their progress.

“I’ve seen how their program is going,” Dominique said. “You see it with the new coaching staff. They’ve had success, and I feel it’s only the beginning. They’re heading for something great, especially the defense they’re playing. I feel they play a defense that fits everything I can do.”

The Warriors apparently agreed, extending an offer to Dominique.

Dominique was told he would get a look at cornerback.

Dominique, who was raised in Montreal, is trilingual. He is fluent in English, French and sports.

“I was a big sports kid,” Dominique said. “I’ve been training pretty much as soon as I started walking. That’s how I was raised. I’ve always been focusing on sports.”

While he grew up playing hockey and basketball, he focused on football when he was 14. “That’s really where my passion is,” Dominique said. “When I switched (from hockey to football), it was like, I was born to do this.”

In December, Dominique completed his studies at Old Montreal Cegep, a bridge school between Quebec’s secondary school and a university. In Quebec’s educational system, a secondary school — the equivalent of middle school/high school — runs through grade 11. After that, a student wishing to attend a university must earn a certificate from a CEGEP.

Dominique said he intends to pursue a degree in international business at UH. He also will continue his football studies.

“I’m always training, watching tape, watching games,” Dominique said. “That’s what takes up most of my time. I’m always focused on football and getting better.”