NEW ORLEANS – Privateer Golf will be even stronger next year as
Jeff Lorio announced his most talented signing class to date on Friday afternoon with the additions of Canon Clark and Jose "Pepe" De la Concepcion Quilez.
"Although small, this class is without a doubt the most talented group that has signed with us since I have been here. Both young men will come in and compete immediately and I expect them to be leaders in this program in short order."
Clark joins the Privateers out of Ascension Episcopal High School in Lafayette, La. Golfweek ranks him as the fourth-best player in Louisiana, and a top-100 junior golfer in the nation. During 2021 Canon averaged 72.80 with six top-10 finishes.
Highlights include a first-place finish in the Governor's Games following rounds of 69 and 71, a second-place finish at the SJGT Huntsville Invitational following rounds of 70 and 72, and a sixth-place finish at the Gator Invitational after rounds of 67, 73, and 73.
"Canon was a young man we identified early in the recruiting process as exactly the type of student-athlete we want to bring into this program. His game is about as consistent as I have seen in a junior golfer."
"He keeps it in the play off the tee, is a very solid iron player, and is extremely talented with the wedges. On top of all of that is he a fantastic student who works hard in the classroom. I have no doubt that he will step up next year and be a factor."
Spanish national team member Quilez, who goes by "Pepe", brings international experience to the Privateers. The Bétera, Spain native is currently ranked by World Amateur Golf Rankings with a scoring average of 72.76 during 2021. In WAGR events this year Quilez finished first in Copa Match Play, third at the Comunita Valencia, third at the Campeonato U18, and 15th at the Campeonato de Espana U18.
"I cannot express how excited I am to have Pepe join the Privateer family. He's a long hitter with great touch around the greens. He comes to us with tremendous experience having competed at the highest level of junior golf."
"Pepe has won WAGR counting events and I expect that to continue here at UNO. He's currently training with the Spanish National Team. I truly believe Pepe has the talent and work ethic to become one of the best players we have had here in a long long time."
Privateer Golf kicks off the Spring portion of its schedule on Feb. 28 in Diamondhead, Miss at the Gulf Coast Collegiate. Live results will be available on Golfstat.com.
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