CIS: 2012 CIS Football Player Profiles

Awards & honours (since start of CIS career):

2011-12 Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year
2011-12 OUA Male Athlete of the Year (CIS BLG Nominee)
2011-12 McMaster Male Athlete of the Year
2011 CIS Vanier Cup MVP
2011 CIS Uteck Bowl MVP
2011 OUA Yates Cup MVP
2011 CIS All-Canadian 2nd Team
2011 OUA All-Star 1st Team
2011 CIS Football Player of the Week, OUA Athlete of the Week, OUA Football Player of the Week  
2011 Marauder Offensive MVP
2010 OUA All-Star 2nd Team, OUA Athlete of the Week, Marauder Offensive MVP
2009 OUA Athlete of the Week

PROFILE

In 2011 Quinlan went on one of the greatest playoff runs in recent memory to lead the Marauders to their first-ever CIS football national championship. Over four post-season contests, Quinlan averaged 335 yards passing and another 92.5 on the ground, threw for 11 touchdown passes and guided his team to four straight 40-plus-point performances as McMaster defeated Queen’s 40-13 (OUA semifinal), Western 41-19 (Yates Cup), Acadia 45-21 (Uteck Bowl) and Laval 41-38 in overtime (Vanier Cup). The 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior earned game-MVP honours in each of the last three McMaster post season games.

Of course, the Cinderella story wouldn’t have been totally complete had Quinlan not kept his best for last. On Nov. 25 at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest CIS football games ever played, the economics student racked up 482 yards and two majors on 36-of-55 passing while also rushing for a team-high 106 yards as McMaster handed the powerful Rouge et Or their first loss in seven lifetime appearances in the Vanier Cup final. The Marauders tied the single-game record with 41 first downs, while their 675 yards of total offence and 25 first downs through the air rank second in Vanier Cup history.

As dominant as Quinlan was in the playoffs, it would be inaccurate to say his remarkable performances came out of nowhere. After all, despite being limited to five outings in conference play, he was named to the second all-Canadian team and first team Ontario University Athletics all-star after he averaged a CIS-best 342 passing yards per game.

After attending his second straight CFL evaluation camp and team training camp (Montreal Alouettes 2012, Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2011) it will be exciting to see what Quinlan does when he is back at the controls of the Marauder offense this season.  He enters his final season of eligibility as one of the premier passers in Canada and should be one the preseason favourites for National honours.

Name: Beau Landry
University: Western
Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.
High school: Resurrection High School
Position: Defensive Back/Linebacker
Academic program: King’s College – Social Science
Year of eligibility: 3
Height: 5-11
Weight: 201

Key stats 2011: 38 tackles in 8 regular season games (led team), 4 interceptions (2nd in OUA, 3rd in CIS)

Awards & honours (since start of CIS career): CIS First Team All-Canadian (2011), OUA First Team All-Star (2011)

PROFILE

A key part of the Western Mustangs defence in 2011, Beau Landry is back in purple and white in 2012 and looking to build on last year’s impressive campaign. A speedy defensive back with good hands, Landry was one of the Mustangs top cover defenders last season while still managing to lead the team in tackles with 38. His four interceptions were good for second in the OUA and third in all of Canadian university football.

“Beau’s been one of our best young player’s, and made an immediate impact. All-Canadian in his second year, he has great man cover skills and is very physical,” said Western head coach Greg Marshall.

2012 sees a change for Landry as he transitions from the defensive backfield to the linebacker corps.

“He has the ability to play DB and LB and he makes a big contribution to our team. Strong silent type, but he’s a leader on this team by his actions on field.”

Either as a defensive back or linebacker, in coverage or making a hit, Beau Landry will be one of the keys to the Western Mustangs defence in 2012.

Name: Billy McPhee
University: Queen’s
Hometown: Burlington, Ont.
High school: Notre Dame CSS
Position: Quarterback
Academic program: Geography
Year of eligibility: 3
Height: 6-3
Weight: 195

Key stats 2011: 108-for-213 passing, 1660 yds, 9 TDs, 7 INTs

PROFILE

After a breakout 2011 season, Queen’s Gaels third-year quarterback Billy McPhee looks set to ascend into the upper echelon of CIS signal-callers. The six-foot-three Burlington, Ontario native took over as the Gaels’ starting quarterback last season, replacing Justin Chapdelaine, who moved out to slotback.

“We expect Billy to step up and my expectation is that he’ll move to the next level,” said Pat Sheahan, the Gaels’ head coach. “He is a great kid, and he wants to lead Queen’s to the Promised Land, there’s no question about that. He’s very fit, and he’s learned our package well”

McPhee threw for 1660 yards last season, including nine touchdowns, as he led the Gaels to a 6-2 record and their first home playoff game since the 2009 Vanier Cup run. “On a personal level, I want to become a better quarterback and a better leader for the team,” McPhee said. “Last year I was more focused on learning on how to play at the CIS level and perfecting my craft. Now I can work on fine-tuning things. As a team, we expect to be a group that works hard and makes it difficult for our opponents.”

2011 was not all sweetness and light for the Geography major; however, as McPhee’s first season at the controls suffered an early end when an injury forced him out of Gaels’ two playoff contests. Missing the Gaels’ semifinal loss to McMaster, in what would have been a homecoming for the Burlington Notre Dame graduate, seems to particularly sting, even nine months later.

“The way last year ended resonates with the guys, with the injuries we had,” McPhee said. “We had a great regular season, and to have our season end with a 40-13 defeat leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, to say the least. But looking forward, we’re just going to put that past us and learn from it, more than anything else.”

“Sometimes things like that, when something is taken away from you, causes you to come back harder, to be physically better and mentally tougher,” said Sheahan. “Bill is a great competitor and he really wants to win.”

McPhee’s Gaels open up their 2012 season at home to the McGill Redmen on Sunday, August 26, with league play getting underway on Labour Day, September 3, as the Gaels host the York Lions.

For Matt Vonk of Burlington, Ont., the past is behind him and what lies ahead is a bright future of football and academics as part of the Waterloo Warriors football program. 

Vonk’s journey back to the black and gold has been anything but smooth, but for the 6’4, 285 lbs. offensive linesman, the focus remains the same; to study at the University of Waterloo while competing for the Warriors.

After the suspension of the football program in 2010, Vonk took his talents across the street to Wilfrid Laurier University and after sitting out the 2011 season due to CIS transfer regulations, Vonk returns to the Waterloo line-up for 2012. 

“I cannot put into words how excited we are to have Matt back as a Warrior,” commented Warriors interim head coach Joe Paopao.  “He is a dedicated individual, who puts his heart in soul into everything he does on and off the field.”

CFL scouts couldn’t agree more with Paopao who have slated Vonk as the tenth best prospect for the 2013 draft.  His performance at the 2012 CIS East-West Bowl helped solidify his place in the top 10.  CFL scouts have labeled Vonk as a ‘real athletic kid” with ‘great technique and textbook form’.

Vonk enters his third year of eligibility this fall and is simply dying to play football.  “I haven’t been this excited for something in a real long time,” mentions Vonk.  “My expectations are to mature as an individual and grow with each and every member of the team as the season progresses.”

His skill, size and football IQ will be on display throughout the 2012 season and will be sure to aid the Warriors offense as they hope to turn around their reputation across the province and nation.

YORK LIONS

Name: Hussein Hazime
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
High school: Senator O’Connor C.S.S.
Position: Linebacker
Academic program: Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Year of eligibility: 2
Height: 5-11
Weight: 230
Key stats 2011: 8 games played, 50 tackles (6th in CIS)

Hussein Hazime is poised for a breakout season on the gridiron.

The 5-foot-11, 245-pound linebacker burst onto the CIS football scene in his rookie season in 2011, finishing sixth in the country with 50 tackles and earning the Lions’ most valuable player award. It was a remarkable debut for a player who only joined the squad the week before training camp began.

“It was a nice surprise when Hussein called me just as we were getting set to open training camp,” said head coach Warren Craney. “He was one of the top linebacker recruits in the country and we were thrilled when he chose to come to York. Hussein certainly did not disappoint when he got here. Within a day, he had vaulted himself to the top of the depth chart and hasn’t looked back since.”

“I actually think I started the year out slowly,” said Hazime about his first season. “I was a bit rusty after taking a year off from the game, but I felt a lot better as the year went on. When I’m on the field I just try to make every tackle, and as I got stronger I was able to do that a lot more.”

His numbers back up those sentiments. He started all eight games for the Lions, and after recording just one assisted tackle in the season opener, Hazime put up six tackles in the second game and 6.5 in each of the next three. The rookie continued to get better in the second half of the season, exploding for a game-high 10.5 tackles in a road contest versus the Ottawa Gee-Gees in Week 6 and turning in the same feat the following week on the road against the Guelph Gryphons.

Hazime is an explosive linebacker who, as Coach Craney describes it, is “at home on the field.”

“He has the uncanny ability to react to plays on the field before they even happen,” says Craney. “In a word, he’s everything. He plays big in the box and is fast enough to attack the perimeter.”

Despite his sophomore status, Hazime will be a leader on the team this year as a captain. He is one of several talented young players who are helping to turn around the York football program. The squad was one of the youngest in the CIS last year with 18 rookies in the starting line-up and there will be many new faces again this year with more than 40 recruits committed to the team.

Those new players, as well as the returning veterans, can learn a lot about how to play the game from Hazime’s quiet leadership. And with a year in the CIS under his belt and a full summer training with York’s strength and conditioning coaches, he will be ready to go on Day 1 of the football season.

“We are ready for a big improvement,” he says of the team and the approaching season. “We have a lot of good players on offence and defence and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish on the field.”

GUELPH GRYPONS

Name: John Rush
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ont.
High school: Saint Michael Catholic High School
Position: Linebacker
Academic program: Marketing Management
Year of eligibility: 2
Height: 6-2
Weight: 218
Key stats 2011: 8GP, 32 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Entering only his second season with the Guelph Gryphons, middle linebacker John Rush has the size, strength and ability to realize the lofty expectations he has set for himself. In his first year with the Gryphons he dressed in all eight games, registering 32 tackles, good for fourth on the team.

“Last season I got in playing time but mostly on special teams so this season my goal is to get on the starting line up. But ultimately I would like to win the Vanier Cup,” said Rush. 

The Niagara Falls native is coming off an exciting off-season where he joined Team Canada’s under-19 squad in taking down the United States by a score of 23-17 in the World Under 19 Championships. Rush totaled 14.5 tackles, third most in the tournament, and was named a tournament all-star. In the semi-final game against Japan, Rush collected 11 tackles and was named MVP for the game.

“That was truly one of the best experiences of my life, but one major aspect I will be able to bring back with me is the leadership I attained and being in those high pressure situations will enable me to stay calm and still excel and make those around me better.”

When training camp starts this August the Gryphons will sport a total of four fifth-year linebackers including last year’s OUA leader in tackles, Jake Reinhart.

“John will fit right into this group which should ease him into a larger leadership role,” commented Gryphon defensive coordinator Kevin MacNeill. “John unites both the young and older players and is a truly gifted athlete. He has the ability to win games with the big plays he is capable of making.”

Both Rush and the Gryphons are expecting his success to translate into a bigger role within the Guelph defense, where he is expected to continue his assent as one of the bright, young leaders of this team.

Personal: Played high school football at St. Michael’s HS… Named Niagara Athlete of the year… Team Ontario Captain… Favourite book is Harry Potter… Favourite movie is Monsters inc… Best Football memory was playing with his brother.

TORONTO VARSITY BLUES

Name: Alex Pierzchalski
University: Toronto
Hometown: London, Ont.
High school: South Secondary C.I.
Position: Receiver
Academic program: Forest Conservation
Year of eligibility: 3
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Key stats 2011: Led the Blues with 37 receptions for 443 yards. Recorded a career-high 127 receiving yards at York on Sept. 10.
Awards & honours (since start of CIS career): U of T football’s 2010 rookie of the year.

Alex ‘Lex’ Pierzchalski has been busy this summer. He’s bigger. He’s stronger, He’s faster. He’s coming off a stellar sophomore season which saw him rank among the top 15 receivers in the OUA.

Pierzchalski will be called upon to do the same and then some in 2012. With a new quarterback, he’ll be relied upon to quickly establish good chemistry and be Toronto’s key wideout.

Despite a lot of competition for playing time in 2011, including the likes of now-graduated star receivers Michael Prempeh and Sebastian Magalas, he still managed to lead the team in both receptions and receiving yards. It was no surprise given his strong family ties to high performance sport. Pierchalski’s cousin, Neil Bradly, is a retired NHL hockey player, while his uncle, Andrew Kinch, plays semi-pro beach volleyball in Australia.

“Lex has taken full advantage of the off-season,” said Varsity Blues head coach Greg Gary. “He’s coming off a great year but we’re expecting even more from him in 2012. If he transfers everything he’s done in training and preparation to the field, he’ll be hard to cover.”

Pierzchalski will be a key component of the offence as Toronto drives for their first post-season berth in 17 years.  Since joining the team in 2010, the Blues have gone 6-10 – a combined two-season record Toronto has not topped since 1995-96.

High School:

Was the offensive most valuable player at South Secondary C.I. in 2006 and 2009.

Varsity:

2011: Started all eight games at wide receiver...led the team with 37 receptions for 443 yards and one touchdown...recorded a career-high 127 receiving yards at York on Sept. 10...recorded a career-high 37-yard catch vs Western on Oct. 15.

2010: Started all eight games at wide receiver...made 20 catches for 235 yards and two touchdowns...recorded a season-high 34-yard catch at Western on Oct. 23...named U of T football’s rookie of the year.

Personal: Lex volunteered as an assistant coach for the London Minor Football Association.
    Favourite professional team: Denver Broncos
    Favourite professional athlete: Brandon Marshall
    Favourite food: Sausage
    Favourite TV show: The Office

WILFRID LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS

Name: Alex Anthony
University: Wilfrid Laurier
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
High school: Mount Douglas SS
Position: Receiver
Academic program: Arts
Year of eligibility: 4
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195 lbs.
Key stats 2011: Injured for majority of season. 1 TD on 1 REC in 2011.

When the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks take to the field for their first game in 2012, it will be a very different team to the one that started in 2011, especially on the offensive side of the ball. A number of graduating seniors have left voids at all offensive positions but perhaps the position most impacted is at receiver. Gone are the likes are Dillon Heap, Shamawd Chambers and Mark Surya, and in their place will be a new generation of athletic talent.

For fourth year receiver Alex Anthony of Victoria, B.C., it thrusts him into the spotlight as a “go-to” target for his new quarterback but that is something that does not faze him in the least.

“Yeah, there is a responsibility there for me now,” comments Anthony. “[But] I’ve learned things from Shamawd and Dillon on how to lead and now that they’ve graduated, they’ve passed the torch on to me and I’m ready for it.”

Despite having played just 15 regular season games since coming to Laurier in 2009, Anthony been an effective receiver when given the opportunity. During his time with the Hawks, Anthony has five touchdown receptions to go along with 422 yards. He has also shown that he can be a threat on kick and punt returns, racking up 198 yards on eight kick return attempts during the 2010 season.
However, the 6-2, 200 lbs., slotback will have another wrinkle to deal with this season. He will be attempting to overcome a serious knee injury which forced him to see very little action in just two games in 2011.

“It was kinda brutal sitting out and watching [my teammates],” says Anthony of what he went through last year. “Since my surgery, I’ve been rehabbing like crazy. This past off-season has been my best for training. I’m stronger than I was before and faster. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and seeing how it actually works out.”

While placing the status of “go-to receiver” on a player fresh off major knee surgery may be a lot of pressure to put on one individual, Anthony has faced more than his fair-share of pressure-packed situations during his football career.

Prior to joining the Golden Hawks, he suited up for Team Canada in the 2009 U-19 IFAF Junior World Championship. In the semifinals of that tournament, held at Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Anthony caught the game-winning touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining to help the Canadians defeat Japan and capture the silver medal. As well, just this past summer, the Hawks receiver represented Laurier at the 2012 East West Bowl where he was scrutinized over the entire week, from the athlete combine to the game itself.

“It was an awesome experience,” notes Anthony of his time in London in May. “The combine was pretty-nerve wracking but it was one of my goals for myself to make it to the game and to go in there and play with all the all-stars in the CIS was a great confidence booster entering this season.”

With a proven history of success and an ability to rise to any occasion, Golden Hawks’ fans should see the best of what Alex Anthony has to offer in what promises to be an intriguing season for Wilfrid Laurier.

WINDSOR LANCERS

Name: Matt McGarva
University: Windsor
Hometown: Surrey, BC
High school: Lord Tweedsmuir
Position: Defensive Back
Academic program: Business
Year of eligibility: 4
Height: 6’0
Weight: 197 lbs
Key stats 2011: 48 tackles in 8 regular season games and one touchdown (1st on team)
Awards & honours (since start of CIS career): CIS all-Canadian – 2nd team (2011), OUA all-star – 1st team (2011), 2012 East-West Bowl Participant, Lancer Defensive Player of the Year (2011)

Entering his fourth year in the Lancer Football program, McGarva is expected to make a big splash in the OUA in 2012. As a core veteran in the defensive group, and the 2011 Lancer defensive player of the year, McGarva has shown big-play potential in the past which will be an important facet of the offense this fall.

In 2011, the Surrey, BC native led the Lancers with 48 total tackles and one touchdown in eight regular season games.

The business major currently sits 15th overall on the Lancers all time solo list with 82 tackles, and with two years of eligibility remaining, is poised to make a run for a spot in the top five.

McGarva was named as a participant in the prestigious 2012 East-West Bowl, and led all players in tackles in that game.

Always motivating teammates to take it to the next level, Matt is an outstanding team leader who has a high off-season commitment to the speed and conditioning program. 

Matt has been instrumental in keeping teammates focused and he is well respected by his fellow teammates and coaches for his strong work ethic.

Head Coach Joe D’Amore on Matt: "Matt is the heart and soul of our defense, as he plays with intensity and speed that is unmatched. Matt showed at the East/West bowl this year that he is one of the best secondary players in the country and I feel that he will establish himself as one of the Top defensive players overall. "

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