CALGARY – University of Calgary defensive lineman Crown Otoro does not say much, but rather lets his play to be noticed. 

In his first season of post-secondary football, the soft spoken 18-year-old is making his presence felt both on the defensive side of the football as well as on special teams. 

"He has the loudest game on the team, but is quiet and reserved," stated defensive line coach Chris Anstey of the talented graduate of Harry Ainlay High School in Edmonton.

Despite often lining up against veteran players considerably older than him, Otoro is not intimidated but relishes the challenge. 

"Crown has zero fear on the football field and thrives against better and older competition," stated Anstey, who actively recruited Otoro. During his first season with the Dinos, he has played both linebacker and the defensive line in the extremely competitive Canada West Conference.

"His athleticism for his size is striking," Anstey stated. 

Crown was a key player on Alberta's bronze medal U18 team at the Canada Cup in Regina, Sask., in 2024 that has several other members on the Dinos, including fellow freshman defensive end Ben Haden.

"The speed is faster and the players smarter at this level," stated Otoro, who was born in Italy but lived in Canada most of life, spending the first five years in Toronto before settling in Edmonton.

"There is no advantage to being nervous," stated Otoro, who has accumulated three and half sacks, six solo tackles and five assisted tackles in his first seven games despite missing much of one game due illness. 

"I could tell the coaching staff at Calgary believed in me and knew I would get a chance to play," recalled Otoro in making his decision to commit to the Dinos. "I also really liked coach Chris (Anstey)," stated Otoro, who also made an official to the University of Saskatchewan and was recruited by several other U SPORTS schools. 

An outstanding athlete with excellent mobility for his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, Crown excelled in both basketball and rugby in high school in addition to his football excellence.

Crown Otoro - a prime example of a player letting his play on the field getting him noticed. 

-UC-