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Men’s Football

Canada West Football Team Previews

30 Aug 2018, 09:30 AM 30 August 2018, 09:30 AM

U SPORTS Staff

University of Manitoba Bisons

2017 regular season record: 2-6
2017 regular season standings: Tied for 5^th in Canada West
2017 playoff record: N/A
2017 playoff finish: N/A

General Write-Up:

The Manitoba Bisons have struggled of late, missing the Canada West playoffs in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Bad luck has something to do with it, as a run of mumps and season-ending injuries have plagued the two seasons. That said, 2018 is looking extremely positive for the Herd. The team’s offensive and defensive lines are stacked with veterans, as well as many of the skill positions. In fact, 58 of Manitoba’s 88 players at training camp are returning players.

The Bisons’ offence starts at the running back position, where third-year back Jamel Lyles promises to be one of the nation’s best. Lyles has been all over the field for Manitoba, amassing 3,042 all-purpose yards in his two years of U SPORTS eligibility. For this type of play, Lyles was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2015 and represented Manitoba at the 2018 U SPORTS Valero East-West Bowl, where he ran in the game-winning touchdown for Team West. Manitoba is strong out wide too, with veteran receivers Trysten Dyce, Jesse Walker, and Stephen Ugbah all primed to perform this season.

At the pivot position, the Bisons’ day one starter looks to be third-year Des Catellier. After jumping in as starting QB midway through a tumultuous 2017, Catellier has settled in to his role at training camp. The former Team Canada U18 player will compete with recruit Scott Borden Jr., who has played for the Saint Mary’s Huskies and Westshore Rebels, and promises to bring a strong running threat to Manitoba’s quarterback depth chart.

In the trenches, Manitoba is benefiting from new offensive line coach Kelly Butler, who brings a wealth of experience as an NFL player and CFL standout with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Butler is coaching a solid group, led by fourth year Zack Williams, who also played in the 2018 Valero East West Bowl.

On defence, Manitoba will be led by fifth-year Jayden McKoy. Transitioning from half back to free safety, McKoy will be the team’s last line — he’s earned that too, totaling 30 tackles every year since 2014, and was named a Canada West All-Star last season.

Closer to centre, the Bisons’ defensive line is anchored by Derek Dufault (another East-West Bowl participant) and Brock Gowanlock. Dufault, beyond his success in the classroom as an Academic All-Canadian, has accumulated 60.5 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his U SPORTS career.

After a tough two seasons, Manitoba looks to re-emerge in 2018 as a contender, battling for a Canada West playoff spot.

Quote from head coach: Brian Dobie

“One of the commonalities with all of the really good teams that we've had at Manitoba has been great defensive lines," said Bison football head coach Brian Dobie. "This is a team that looks like it has that coming out of the gate. Right now, we've probably got 10 or 11 legitimate U SPORTS starters in that group."

Head Coach: Brian Dobie

Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2018): 23
Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2018): 23
Career regular season record with team: 89-85-1
Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 89-85-1
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 89-85-1 regular season, 12-10 playoffs
Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 89-85-1 regular season, 12-10 in playoffs

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: 10

Key returning players:

RB/KR Jamel Lyles is in his third year with the Bisons, and has been a vocal leader for the offence, who also has the numbers to back up his talk. In his two years of U SPORTS eligibility, the former Canada West Rookie of the Year has accumulated 3,042 all-purpose yards, demonstrating his versatility not only as a rusher and pass-catcher, but also a kick and punt returner – the former of which earned him Second Team All-Canadian status in 2015.
OL Zack Williams has been a mainstay on the Bisons’ offensive line over the past few seasons and can play any position up front. He’s a former member of Team Canada, and also appeared in this year’s U SPORTS Valero East-West Bowl, where his head coach hailed him as one of the top three players coming out of the event. Williams plays with an aggressive edge to his game and has a legitimate shot at being taken in the first round of this year’s CFL draft.
WR/KR Shai Ross enters his third year with the Bisons. Despite not putting on the pads until his senior year of high school, Ross has developed into an elite-level receiver at Manitoba. He was the team’s second-leading receiver in his first year with the team in 2016, while also earning a Canada West All-Star nod as a kick returner. Additionally, he was a participant in this year’s U SPORTS Valero East-West Bowl. His blazing speed and no-fear attitude make him a versatile threat whenever he’s on the field.

Key recruits or transfers:

OL Christian Krause is a former member of the Bisons, who was previously on their roster from 2014-15. In 2016-17, he was a dominant force for the Westshore Rebels of the British Columbia Football Conference in the CJFL. In 2016, he helped pave the way for a record-breaking 1,604 yards rushing for Lyles in his one season with the Rebels. He was also a CJFL All-Canadian in both of his campaigns with Westshore and should fit right into the starting lineup for the Bisons this season.
QB Scott Borden Jr. also has previous U SPORTS experience, having suited up for his hometown Saint Mary’s Huskies from 2013-15. He was a teammate of Krause’s at Westshore, where the squad won the conference title in 2016. The following year, he threw for 1,904 yards and 12 touchdowns, en route to a conference all-star selection. Expect him to challenge incumbent Des Catellier for the starting quarterback duties this season.
RB Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette returns to his home province after a tremendous four-year junior football career with the Regina Thunder. In 2016, he won the Prairie Football Conference rushing title with 1,020 yards and was also named an All-Canadian. With four years of eligibility still left, he should be a mainstay in the Bisons backfield for years to come.

Key losses:

QB Theo Deezar, OL Anthony Daley, RB Alex Christie

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: 9

Key returning players:

DB Jayden McKoy is without a doubt the Bisons most versatile player in the secondary, and is also an invaluable team captain. This year, he’ll suit up at his most natural position of safety, after primarily playing field halfback during his U SPORTS career, where last year he earned a Canada West All-Star nod. He’s also registered at least 30 tackles every year since 2014, and cumulatively has 150 for his Bisons career. His 13 total interceptions are also just a few short of setting a new program record.
LB Houston Rennie is another valuable captain on the Bisons defense, who can play either strong side linebacker or field halfback. He’s been a mainstay at SAM linebacker over the past few seasons, collecting 85 tackles, two interceptions a sack and a forced fumble.
DL Derek Dufault has been a lock at defensive end ever since his rookie season in 2015, accumulating 60.5 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his U SPORTS career. He was also a participant in this year’s U SPORTS Valero East-West Bowl, registering 1.5 sacks. On top of being an ace on the field, Dufault is also a leader in the classroom, where he’s been an Academic All-Canadian every year of his university tenure.

Key recruits or transfers:

DT Kent Hicks, much like Krause, was with the Bisons from 2014-15, where he saw starting time and was a valuable member of a Manitoba defensive line that also included current NFLer David Onyemata and CFLer Evan Gill. A torn meniscus in 2015 forced him off the field, and back home, where for the next two years he would join Krause, Borden Jr. and company with Westshore. Hicks was a conference all-star for the Rebels in both 2016 and 2017, while also handling punting duties. Look for him to contend as an All-Canadian in 2018.
DE Samson Abbott returns to the U SPORTS level after three seasons with conference rival Alberta. He led the team in sacks during his rookie season in 2015 and was also a standout on special teams. Last season, due to transfer rules, he played for the Winnipeg Rifles, where his five sacks was second in the Prairie Football Conference.
DE Chris Larsen is another player with prior U SPORTS experience, having been with the Guelph Gryphons from 2015-16. He knows what it takes to win, as the team won their first OUA title since 1996 in his rookie year. In 2017, he opted to take the junior route, suiting up for Westshore, where he developed a great relationship with fellow defensive line commits Hicks and Jeremie Drouin. Individually with the Rebels, he registered 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, an interception and a touchdown.

Key losses:

DB Tyler Fong, LB James Mau, DB Tanner Hamade

SPECIAL TEAMS

Key returning players:

KR/PR Jamel Lyles
KR/PR Shai Ross
KR/PR Shae Weekes
P/K Brad Mikoluff
P Matt Riley

Regina Rams

2017 regular season record: 4-4
2017 regular season standings: 3^rd in Canada West
2017 playoff record: 0-1
2017 playoff finish: Lost 28-21 to UBC in Canada West semifinal

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General Write-Up:

The University of Regina Rams return a good quantity of high-end veteran talent this season, and will look to take a step forward after qualifying for the Canada West postseason the last two years but losing out in the semifinals both times.

Leading the returners are the fifth-year tandem of Noah Picton and Atlee Simon, both Canada West all-stars last season. Picton enters the season just shy of the 10,000 mark in career passing yards and needs just 1638 more to become the nation’s all-time leader in the category, while Simon is already the U of R’s career leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and touchdowns scored.

The defensive side of the ball also features veteran leadership, especially at the linebacker position where three of the four spots look like they’ll be occupied by fifth-year players – Danny Nesbitt at mac, Layne Hull at will, and Cole Benkic at zack. The defensive line will also feature a pair of fifth years in heavy rotation, including Grey McKen and Ryan Warner.

Quote from head coach: Steve Bryce

“We’ve got a great veteran core this season and we’re not only expecting some players within the program to step up but we’re also adding some exciting newcomers to the team. It’s been great to see this team get to the postseason these past two years, but we have loftier goals in mind and I’m looking forward to seeing this group chase them.”

Head Coach: Steve Bryce

Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2018): 3
Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2018): 3
Career regular season record with team: 10-6
Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 10-6
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 10-8
Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 10-8

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: 10

Key returning players:

QB Noah Picton returns for his fifth and final season with the Rams. Already one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the history of Canadian university football, Picton enters the year with 9840 career passing yards, just 1637 shy of former Sherbrooke pivot Jérémi Roch’s all-time record in the category. A two-time All-Canadian, Picton earned the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2016 as the national Player of the Year.
RB Atlee Simon will break camp as the team’s starting running back for the fourth consecutive season. Simon, who was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders this spring but returned for his final year at the U of R, is the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards (2943), rushing touchdowns (20), and touchdowns scored (29).
SB Ryan Schienbein is the team’s top returning receiver, catching 40 balls for 483 yards and three majors last season. Entering his CFL draft year, Schienbein was a conference all-star in 2016 and will again be one of Picton’s favourite targets this season.

Key recruits or transfers:

WR Kris Calcutt comes to the Rams following three seasons with the Regina Thunder. Calcutt, who participated in training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in both 2016 and 2017, is a strong candidate to step in as a starter at wide receiver – and he might be utilized as a punter, too!
RB Tyree Range (Grossmont College) has been described as a power back, bringing a different element than the other three healthy running backs currently on the roster. Range is expected to be utilized along with Kyle Borsa and Semba Mbasela, behind starter Atlee Simon.
SB Bennett Stusek (Campbell Collegiate) comes to the Rams with a litany of accomplishments, including winning a provincial championship with Campbell last year and playing for Team Canada’s U18 squad at the 2018 International Bowl. He’s been brilliant in camp so far, impressing the coaching staff to the point where he’s pushing to skip a redshirt season.

Key losses:

OL Matt Couch
WR Brady Eurich
SB Mitchell Picton
WR Mitch Thompson

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: 6

Key returning players:

DB Cord Delinte is the odds-on favourite to start at safety for the Rams. Last year, Delinte started seven games – six at safety, and one at halfback, as he showed his versatility with the team going through some injury woes. He finished the year with 22 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, three tackles for loss, and three pass breakups.
LB Layne Hull made a huge impact in his first year with the Rams, starting every game at will linebacker and finishing the regular season with an interception, two sacks, three pass breakups, 21 solo tackles, and 17 assisted tackles. He added another sack in the team’s postseason game.
LB Danny Nesbitt is poised to start the season as the team’s starting mac linebacker for the third consecutive year. A conference all-star in 2016, expect him to again vie for the team lead in tackles in his final U SPORTS season.

Key recruits or transfers:

DB Brandon Brooks transfers in from the University of Nevada (NCAA Div. I). He’ll have three seasons of U SPORTS eligibility with the Rams, as he played full seasons with Dixie State and Riverside City College, before attending Nevada. Look for Brooks to play a big role for the Rams as soon as he gets healthy.
DB Chase Ellingson (Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada) is considered by Bryce to be one of the best – if not the best – graduating defensive backs in the country this year. With the Rams losing both of their starting corners this year, look for Ellingson to see the field sooner rather than later.
DL Kyle Forde transfers to the U of R from St. Francis Xavier, where he collected 18 sacks in three-plus seasons to become that school’s all-time leader in the category. Forde is eligible to play right away, and has two seasons of U SPORTS eligibility remaining. Look for him to make an immediate impact for the Rams.

Key losses:

SPECIAL TEAMS

Key returning players:

RB Kyle Borsa was the team’s primary kick returner in his first season with the Rams, averaging 6.8 yards on his 31 punt returns and 18.9 yards on his 27 kickoff returns. With Simon back for his final season with the U of R, look for the lightning-fast Borsa to continue to play a big role on special teams.
K Daniel Scraper has not only been the U of R’s main placekicker and punter over the past two seasons, but has also played a role on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver. Scraper is the school’s all-time leader with a 71 per cent success rate on field goals in his career.

Key recruits or transfers:

K Aldo Galvan committed to the Rams over the summer from Bucaneros de Satélite, a Mexican team based just outside of Mexico City. Galvan hit a 48-yard field goal last month for Team Mexico at the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championship, and has shown off that powerful leg on numerous occasions in camp so far.

University of Alberta Golden Bears

2017 regular season record: 3-5
2017 regular season standings: 4^th in Canada West
2017 playoff record: 0-1
2017 playoff finish: Lost 39-22 in Canada West semifinal

General Write-Up:

Coming off their best season under head coach Chris Morris, the Bears will look to qualify for back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2009 and 2010. The Bears also had a handful of individual records set last season, most notably by fifth-year running back, and Hec Crighton Trophy winner Ed Ilnicki.

While the team will return a large chunk of last year’s starters, they will have a handful of key roles open after the departure of their graduating players. Alberta led Canada West with 517.8 yards per game, and finished second in scoring, averaging 34.4 points per game last year, thanks in large part to Ilnicki’s 1,619 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns.

While the offence will see some turnover in 2018, the Bears young and talented defence will return nearly every starter this season. Look for the defence to be the backbone of the Golden Bears as they aim to get back into the Hardy Cup picture.

Quote from head coach: (Chris Morris)

“The 2018 version of the Golden Bear football team is a mature and physical group that will compete to win every one of our games this year. We had some tremendous team and individual accomplishments last year that we can hopefully replicate. Our recruiting class is also one of the strongest we have had, and we are confident they can fill the shoes left by some of our graduating student-athletes.”

Head Coach: (Chris Morris)

Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2018): 6
Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2018): 6
Career regular season record with team: 9-31
Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 9-31
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 9-32
Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 9-32

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: 6

Key returning players:

Brad Baker – Returning quarterback Brad Baker, who tossed for 1,473 yards and 14 touchdowns over their final four conference games last season, will lead the offence for Alberta in 2018.
Jon Harke – With the departure of All-Canadians Mark Korte and Justin Lawrence, third-year offensive lineman Jon Harke will take over as the leader of the youthful group
Colby Miller – The Bears returning receptions leader from 2017, Miller hauled in 21 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns last year
Key recruits or transfers: Jonathan Rosery – The top Alberta high school RB in 2017, joins the Golden Bears from Harry Ainlay High School
Tyler Dugiud – Talented three-sport athlete joins the Bears offensive line. He is a high-school wrestling medalists and Team Alberta Rugby player, along with all-star high school football athlete.
Rodeem Brown – First-year offensive lineman out of Centennial Collegiate in Saskatoon. He was ranked inside the top 100 university-eligible recruits for 2018 season

Key losses:

Ed Ilnicki – He was the 2017 Hec Crighton Trophy winner after he broke the Canada West single-season rushing record with 1,468 yards
Mark Korte – He was a Canada West and U SPORTS first team all-star and 2017 Canada West Most Outstanding Lineman Award winner.
Justin Lawrence - He was named a Canada West first team all-star.and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian
Tylor Henry – He is the all-time Canada West receptions leader, after leading the Golden Bears in receptions in four of his five seasons

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: 10

Key returning players:

Shaydon Philip – He led the Bears with two interceptions last season, while finishing second in tackles with 45.
Blake Adams – He was the best pass-rusher on the Golden Bears, and finished with one sack, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and 17 sacks last season.
Aaron Chabaylo – He led Canada West with 7.0 tackles per game in 2017 and also chipped in a forced fumble, one sack, and 1.5 tackles for a loss.

Key recruits or transfers:

Donovan Burgmaier - He is a transfer from Edmonton Huskies of CJFL. Burgmaier had 16 tackles and six sacks for Huskies in 2017
Edward Kim – He is a high-school all-star from Hunting Hills High School and will join a talented linebacker group
Jordy Kibamba – A former Regina Ram, Kibamba spent 2017 playing with the Calgary Colts of the CJFL, and participated at the CFL Combine.

Key losses:

Tak Landry – Over his career, he led Golden Bears three times in tackles, and finished his fifth season with 41 tackles and two forced fumbles. His 174 career tackles are 7^th all-time in Bears program history
Jacob Narbonne – He led the Bears with four sacks and five tackles for a loss in 2017

SPECIAL TEAMS

Key returning players: 1

Brent Arthur – He finished second on Alberta with 52 points scored, hitting on eight of his 15 field goal attempts, and making all 23 extra point attempts.

Key losses:

Aundrey Webster

Calgary Dinos

2017 regular season record: 7-1
2017 regular season standings: 1^st in CW
2017 playoff record: 2-1
2017 playoff finish: Lost 35-23 to Laval in Mitchell Bowl

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General Write-Up:

It’ll be a much younger team that takes the field for the two-time defending Hardy Cup champion University of Calgary Dinos after a large senior class and eight CFL draft picks moved on from the program in the off-season.

The 2017 season didn’t end the way the Dinos had hoped, with a Mitchell Bowl loss at home to Laval a week after a legendary moment in U SPORTS history when Niko DiFonte’s 59-yard field goal gave the Dinos a 44-43 win over UBC in the Hardy Cup – their eighth conference title in a decade. Many of the pieces from that team return, with the top-ranked recruiting class in the nation set to join the squad in 2018 as the Dinos look to maintain their dominance of Canada West.

All eyes will be on the lines, which were particularly hard-hit by graduation and CFL departures. Joel Van Pelt, fresh from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ training camp, will anchor a defensive line chock full of young talent, while on offence returning fourth-year quarterback Adam Sinagra will look to the likes of 2017 Canada West rookie of the year Tyler Packer along with third-year lineman Spencer Roy in pass protection and run blocking.

One of the most sought after recruits in 2017, linebacker Grant McDonald, transferred in after a season at the University of Maine, adding even more depth to the defensive skill positions, while the Philpot twins, Jalen and Tyson, lead a crop of talented offensive recruits.

Calgary opens the season Aug. 31 at Regina before their home opener, a Hardy Cup rematch with UBC, on Sept. 7.

Quote from head coach: Wayne Harris Jr.

"It's a big youth movement this year. We graduated a bunch of fifth-year guys, and a number of our fourth-year guys went on to the CFL – which is something that happens each year in our program and that we expect – so we just need to continue developing the young athletes that come into our team.”

Head Coach: Wayne Harris Jr.

Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2018): 4
Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2018): 4
Career regular season record with team: 21-3
Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 21-3
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 27-6
Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 27-6

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: 5

Key returning players:

QB Adam Sinagra returns for his second full season as the starter after averaging better than 300 passing yards per game last season, tossing for 2447 yards and 18 touchdowns.
RB Jeshrun Antwi is back after being sidelined by injuries late in 2017 and will look to regain the form that saw him rumble for 177 yards in the 2016 Vanier Cup.
R Hunter Karl joined Antwi at the East-West Bowl this spring after establishing himself as an elite receiver over the past few years. Karl led the Dinos with 50 receptions, 767 yards, and seven touchdowns in 2017.
OL Tyler Packer was named the 2017 Canada West rookie of the year after starting at right tackle for the squad and is the only returning starter along the offensive line.

Key recruits or transfers:

R Jalen Philpot & R Tyson Philpot, twin sons of former B.C. Lions running back Cory Philpot, were two of the top players available out of British Columbia, with Jalen earning provincial all-star status and Tyson named the B.C. High School player of the year. Both played for Canada at the U18 International Bowl.
R Brycen Mayoh was the 2017 CJFL offensive MVP with the Vancouver Island Raiders, leading the nation with 805 receiving yards on 44 catches, scoring 12 TDs.
RB Adre Simmonds, OL Nolan Cole, R Lucas La Brier, RB Tyson Rowe, and RB Tyler Santos are all CFC 100 recruits set to join the Dinos offence in 2018.

Key losses:

OL Ryan Sceviour (Calgary Stampeders)
OL Darius Ciraco (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)
R Michael Klukas (Calgary Stampeders)

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: 5

Key returning players:

LB Boston Rowe returns to the team after attending the Calgary Stampeders’ training camp. Drafted in the 8^th round by the Stampeders, he’ll bring a solid veteran presence to the linebackers in his fifth year of eligibility.
DL Joel Van Pelt is another fifth year back from a CFL camp, in this case the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Part of the Dinos’ vaunted defensive line rotation for the last three years, he’ll be a leader among a youthful group in the front seven.
DB Nick Statz was the third Dino to earn an East West Bowl invite in May along with Antwi and Karl.

Key recruits or transfers:

LB Grant McDonald joins brother Jack on the Calgary roster after a year at the University of Maine. Ranked No. 19 on the 2017 CFC recruit list, he’s eligible to start immediately for the Dinos and will bring a big, physical presence in the middle.
DL Tyrece Viner-Cox joins the Dinos from Winnipeg and the junior national team and is one of six CFC 100 recruits on the defence.
LB Suboumi Oyesoro, DB Jacob Biggs, DL Cole Snyder, DB Sebastien Reid, and DB Sammy Sidhu round out the CFC 100 recruits on the Calgary defence.

Key losses:

DL Cory Robinson (graduation)
DL Brett Wade (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)
LB Micah Teitz (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
DB Adam Laurensse (graduation)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Key returning players:

K Niko DiFonte is back for his third season with the program after one of the most clutch kicks seen on a football field anywhere, his 59-yarder outdoors, in November, to win a championship. That kick was one of six on the day for DiFonte, who went 14/20 in the regular season last year.

Key recruits or transfers:

Key losses:

LS Brendon Thera-Plamondon (graduation)

Saskatchewan Huskies

2017 regular season record: 2-6
2017 regular season standings: 5th in CW
2017 playoff record: N/A
2017 playoff finish: N/A

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General Write-Up:

A promising start to the 2017 season gave way to a difficult finish, but there were still plenty of positives to take away from former CFL and University of Saskatchewan lineman Scott Flory’s first season in charge of the Huskies, after beginning the campaign with wins over the Manitoba Bisons and Alberta Golden Bears.

Moving forward into 2018, the team will return a number of key contributors from a squad that boasts a good mixture of youth and experience. Led by 18 returning starters, the Huskies begin their season at home against the Golden Bears on Aug. 31 at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park.

Quote from head coach: Scott Flory

“We are going to be dynamic, the community can expect a fast team. Lots of speed, that’s been the focus in the offseason. We want to be able to play at a faster pace than anybody else, but still have the toughness and physicality that are the staples of Huskie football.”

Head Coach: Scott Flor

Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2018): 2
Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2018): 2
Career regular season record with team: 2-6
Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 2-6
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 2-6
Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 2-6

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: 9

Key returning players:

Kyle Siemens returns for his fifth and final season in the green and white of the Huskies. Now entering his third-year as starting quarterback, Siemens had an outstanding 2017 season, leading Canada West in both passing yards (2572) and touchdown passes (19).
Playing in only six games due to injury last year, running back Colton Klassen still led the team with 395 yards on the ground. The third-year athlete averaged 5.2 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns in 2017.
Wide receiver Sam Baker will be looked on to take on a larger role in the passing game after the graduation of All-Canadian Mitch Hillis. Baker was second on the Huskies in 2017 in receptions (33), yards (403) and touchdowns (4).

Key recruits or transfers:

Running backs Samwell Uko and Adam Machart will both join a deep Huskie running back stable. In his senior year with the Abbotsford Panthers in B.C., Uko was a provincial ‘AA’ finalist, conference MVP as well as B.C. offensive MVP. Machart meanwhile, joins the Huskies from the Saskatoon Hilltops where he ran for 1056 yards on 135 carries in 2017.
Joey Trumpy will follow in the footsteps of his brother John by wearing the green and white of the Huskies. Trumpy will bring size to the Saskatchewan receiving corps, measuring 6-foot-3, 205 pounds.
Key losses: REC Mitch Hillis, REC Chad Braun, OL Caleb Eidsvik

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: 9

Key returning players:

Tristian Koronkiewicz returns for his fifth year of eligibility after an outstanding 2017 season. The defensive lineman recorded 24 tackles, four sacks and five tackles for loss last year.
Linebacker Ben Whiting will again be a leader for the team after recording 25 tackles and three tackles for loss in the just six games in 2017.
After a strong showing at the East-West Bowl, defensive back Payton Hall is back for his fourth year of eligibility. Hall will anchor the secondary after securing four interceptions in just seven games last season.

Key recruits or transfers:

After making the switch from quarterback to defensive lineman, Dayton Black from Neelin, Man. will look to provide another attacking threat on the Huskie defence.
Joining the team from the Saskatoon Hilltops, defensive lineman Riley Pickett was named a CJFL All-Canadian after racking up 39 tackles and 12 sacks last season.
Defensive back Nixen Voll of Shaunavon, Sask., joins the Huskies as the record-holder for the Shaunavon Shadows with seven punt return touchdowns in one season.

Key losses:

Matthew Kozun, Brooks Falloon

SPECIAL TEAMS

UBC Thunderbirds

2017 regular season record: 6-2
2017 regular season standings: 2^nd in Canada West
2017 playoff record: 1-1
2017 playoff finish: Lost 44-43 to Calgary in Hardy Cup Final

General Write-Up:

Appearing in their third straight Hardy Cup Final, the Thunderbirds came as close as a team possibly could to securing a victory, losing a heartbreaking 44-43 contest to the Calgary Dinos on an unlikely record setting 59-yard field goal.

The T-Birds had an outstanding regular season finishing 6-2, good for a second place finish. Powered by the conference’s leading defence which allowed just 21.5 points against per game despite featuring upwards of six rookie starters. The ‘Birds offensive charge was led by quarterback Michael O’Connor who returns in 2018 for his fourth season at UBC. The Orleans, Ont., native will have some familiar targets in fellow 2015 Vanier Cup champions Trivel Pinto and Marcus Davis both returning at wide receiver along with third-year Trey Kellogg. The ‘Birds’ backfield is expected to deliver once again this season with the return of fourth-year running back Ben Cummings.

On the defensive side of the ball, UBC is fortified by four returning U SPORTS All-Canadians. Reigning Canada West Defensive Player of the Year Stavros Katsantonis is back at safety along with fellow standouts Malcom Lee and Will Maxwell. The T-Bird defensive line will be anchored by Connor Griffiths and Charles Nwoye.

Head coach Blake Nill enters his fourth year with the Thunderbirds in third place in wins among active U SPORTS coaches, just two wins behind Pat Sheahan of Queen’s University. In his 21^st season as a U SPORTS head coach, Nill is hunting for his fourth Vanier Cup title.

Quote from head coach:

“It’s a good recruiting class, one of the best in the country with a mixture of transfers, top high school talent from across Canada and good local talent, and now it’s a matter of how the chemistry of this class can impact the veteran team and see where it takes us. We just need to manage our players well this season. The reason I shortened camp is I didn’t want us beating each other up for three weeks and then going into the game against Manitoba. I think the camp is perfect, two weeks and a day from our first game, that will give us 14 pretty good practices and that’s enough I believe. We’re a veteran team, I think we can carry this veteran experience a little bit.”

Head Coach: Blake Nill

Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2018): 4
Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2018): 21
Career regular season record with team: 15-9
Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 117-43
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 21-11
Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 151-58

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters:

Key returning players:

QB Michael O’Connor is back for his fourth season behind centre. Sitting second among Canada West active quarterbacks in career passing yards (7,289) and completions (551), the Orleans, Ont.,native was second in Canada West completion percentage in 2018 at 67.5 per cent with a 152.4 efficiency rating. O’Connor needs just five more touchdown passes to move into the all-time Canada West top ten.
WR Trivel Pinto also returns for a fourth season with the Thunderbirds. The 2017 First Team All-Canadian wide receiver led the T-Birds in receiving yards for the second straight season last year with 717. His 53 receptions was tops in the conference, five of those for a touchdown. The Brampton, Ont., native needs two more major scores to move into the Canada West top 20 all-time. Another 27 receptions and Pinto will move into another top 20 category.
WR Marcus Davis had an injury plagued 2017, only able to play in UBC’s first two games of the season but has returned for his fifth and final U SPORTS campaign with plenty of motivation. The talented receiver out of Victoria was a Canada West All-Star and second team All-Canadian in 2016. In his rookie season, Davis was named a first team All-Canadian and won Canada West Rookie of the Year.
RB Ben Cummings is also into his fourth season with the T-Birds. Despite missing a regular season contest, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound back still amassed the third most yards on the ground in the conference with 726. From Abbotsford, B.C., Cummings totaled 134.9 all-purpose yards per game, the fifth-highest in tCanada West. A former Canada West All-Star, Cummings has averaged 7.14 yards per carry over the course of his career, the fifth highest in conference history.

Key recruits or transfers:

QB Michael Calvert doesn’t have to travel far to Point Grey, having quarterbacked his South Delta Sun Devils to the 2017 B.C. High School semi-finals in his Grade 12 season. A potential QB of the future for the Thunderbirds, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound pivot led the province in passing yards (3,406), touchdown passes (39), and completion percentage (71 per cent). While Calvert’s ability with his arm is impressive, he is equally adept on his feet having rushed for 918 yards and eight touchdowns in his grade 12 season.
RB Ted Kubongo returns north of the border after spending his freshman season with the University of Maine Black Bears. Hailing from Calgary, Alta., Kubongo attended Notre Dame High School in his hometown before moving to Ottawa to compete for St. Matthews High School in his Grade 12 year. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound back also has experience on special teams and may also be a threat for UBC on the kick return.
WR Blake Whiteley marks another high-profile transfer having played two seasons with the University of Texas Longhorns. The 6-foot-5, 242 pound tight end suffered injury troubles while in Austin and never saw any game action. A 2013 graduate of West Vancouver High School, Whiteley caught 76 passes for 1,228 yards and 18 touchdowns in his Grade 12 season. He played his freshman season at Arizona Western Community College and was named the No.2 junior college tight end by ESPN.

Key losses:

WR Alex Morrison spent his entire five-year U SPORTS career with the Thunderbirds. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native led UBC with five receiving touchdowns in 2017 and his 496 receiving yards were eighth most in the conference. The former Canada West First Team All-Star finished his final U SPORTS season second in conference yards per catch (19.1).
WR Will Watson was selected by the BC Lions in the seventh round of the 2018 CFL draft and currently finds himself on the team’s practice roster after an impressive pre-season performance.
OL Dakoda Shepley found himself in demand on both sides of the border this past off-season having signed a free agent contact with the NFL’s New York Jets and being selected in the first round of the CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound beast from Windsor, Ont., was a 2017 Canada West All-Star.

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters:

Key returning players:

DB Stavros Katsantonis is also back for a fourth season with UBC having earned the 2017 Canada West Defensive Player of the Year award. The two-time First Team All-Canadian safety led the conference with four interceptions last season while contributing 25.5 tackles, third most on the Canada West’s top defensive unit.
DB Will Maxwell heads into his fifth and final U SPORTS season as UBC’s leading tackler from 2017. His 35 solo and 39 total tackles both led the Thunderbirds. The Calgary native added an interception and broke up five passes. Maxwell was a 2017 Canada West All-Star and a Second Team All-Canadian.
LB Elliot Graham had an outstanding rookie season with a total of 36.5 tackles, second on the T-Birds only to Maxwell. In just his second game with UBC, the Hamilton, Ont. native set a school record with a 107-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Key recruits or transfers:

DL Sheriden Lawley marks another key transfer for the Thunderbirds having spent the past three seasons with the University of Connecticut. Hailing from Abbotsford, B.C., Lawley appeared in 25 games for the Huskies recording 13 tackles in 12 appearances in 2017.
DL Lake Korte-Moore is a true freshman out of Ottawa bringing some serious size to the defensive line at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. Korte-Moore was a member of team Canada who won a second consecutive IFAF U19 World Championship in Mexico City in late July.
DL Shane Desrochers heads to UBC from Kingston, Ont., The “Kingston Wrecker” defensive end is listed at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds and played in last year’s Blue-Grey All-American game in Jacksonville, Florida.

Key losses:

DB A.J. Blackwell led the T-Birds with 56.5 tackles in 2016, second most in the Canada West. Last season he was limited to just three games but still registered 9.5 tackles and a forced fumble. Blackwell was a Canada West All-Star in 2016.
LB Dylan Chapdelaine registered 14 tackles in just four games last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Key returning players:

K Greg Hutchins is back for his third season with the ‘Birds. The Nova Scotia product put up the third most points in the conference in 2017 with 67. Hutchins was better than 84 per cent on field goals and a perfect 33/33 on converts.
RET Trivel Pinto led the Canada West in 2017 with an average kick return of 25.8 yards. In addition to being named an offensive conference All-Star, Pinto was the only player to also be selected a Canada West All-Star on special teams.

Men’s Football