Much success on the field has seen a recent influx of HCI Mohawks football players join the Saskatoon Hilltops.

Another one is on the way as defensive back Jared Giddings has signed with the team.

"It all started with the combine. We all went, did our testing, and it kind of went from there," Giddings explained of the process in joining the Toppers. "Went to Hilltops spring camp and then we had Senior Bowl tryouts and obviously the Senior Bowl weekend. They got to see me a lot and it all helped my cause."

On June 1, teams in the Canadian Junior Football League are permitted to sign players as part of National Signing Day.

Giddings knew prior that he would be joining the Hilltops, but it was made official on that day.

Continuing on with football was something that didn't cross his mind during the high school season, but once the Mohawks year came to an end, the ball started to roll.

"One of my coaches came up to me and asked if this was something I wanted to pursue and then I really started to think about it. From there, I decided I really wanted to keep playing."

There is no shortage of reasons for Giddings to continue to play. 

He was named Most Valuable Player for the Mohawks last season, where he was a quadruple threat as a slotback, safety, returner and kicker.

At the Senior Bowl in May, Giddings was MVP of the 9-man game, intercepting two passes - one of which he returned for a touchdown. He was also named top defensive back for northern Saskatchewan.

Mohawks Head Coach, Cory Popoff, says that it is no surprise that Giddings has found his way to the next level.

"In our program, Jared provided us with excellent leadership that raised both the intensity and competitiveness of the players around him," he explained. "His work ethic and positive personality aligns perfectly with our football program’s culture."

"He was a clutch player, and could make good things happen on the field with his teammates."

Present day Hilltops who are Mohawks alumni include fifth-year players Drayke Unger and Dillon Buckle, as well as Connor Guillet, who enters his third year and sophomore Tristan Hering.

In 2012, Jared's brother Josh signed with the Hilltops, and he says it is exciting to join a team that his brother was a member of.

"It's actually great because a lot of the coaches remember his name, and it certainly helps my cause," said Giddings. "Suiting up for the Hilltops is going to be great because of their winning tradition, and I'm just looking forward to the opportunity."

With that opportunity of course comes a different game, which Giddings says he picked up on during the team's spring camp.

"The way those guys compete. How much bigger, faster, stronger they are. I just got to do a lot of catching up and hopefully learn the ways that the team plays and just improve."

Popoff, who also serves as the school's Principal, says that Giddings is the type of person who will work to succeed, and do it in the most humble way.

"Jared is an excellent student and a fantastic person. He works hard, and enjoys success academically and athletically," he said. "His strong character will find him success in adversity. I look forward to following Jared as he makes his way in life after graduation."

Players will report for Hilltops main camp on August 1, with their first game slated for August 14 against the Winnipeg Rifles.

You can hear more from Giddings below.