Pro path

Calgary selected DeSouza in the sixth round (45th overall) of the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft and he signed on May 23, 2012.

2012

After being converted from linebacker to fullback during training camp, DeSouza spent the season on the Stampeders’ practice roster.

College

DeSouza played four seasons for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, playing the defensive line position before making the switch to linebacker in 2010. For his university career, he played 29 games and made 192 total tackles, including 173 solo tackles and also contributed five sacks, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and one interception. DeSouza was named the Blues’ most valuable and inspirational player in 2011 and was an Ontario University Athletics conference all-star after compiling 47 solo tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two pass break-ups. He was the CIS defensive player of the week after an 11-tackle performance against Guelph on Sept. 17. In 2010, he led the OUA with 62 solo tackles and was named the team’s most valuable player. He added two sacks and one interception. In 2009, DeSouza played defensive end and was second on the team with 36 solo tackles and also recorded two sacks. As a freshman in 2008, he made six starts and was third on the Blues with 28 tackles to go along with one sack, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

Notable

DeSouza was born in Brazil and his family first moved to Canada when he was less than a year old. He was a four-year football standout at Applewood Heights Secondary School and also played rugby and soccer for the school. Prior to enrolling at the University of Toronto, he played junior football for the Etobicoke Eagles and was the Ontario Varsity Football League team’s defensive MVP in 2006.