By Dashawn Stephens
Despite there being only one national champion, and four conference champions, every U SPORTS football team has at least one player who deserves their flowers. Typically four conferences mean only four MVPs, but we’re expanding the list. We’re taking a look at every U SPORTS football team’s most valuable player in 2021.
OUA
1. Carleton Ravens - Brandon Forcier, K
Yes, we are choosing a kicker as the most valuable player for the first Ottawa-based team on the list.
Why?
It’s simple: Carleton struggled to find the endzone in 2021, scoring only eight offensive touchdowns throughout the entire season. Kicker Brandon Forcier did his job, and was able to contribute 39 of Carleton’s 99 total points.
2. Guelph Gryphons - A.J. Allen, LB
39.5 tackles, four sacks, First Team OUA All-Star, OUA Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Canadian.
What more can we say? A.J. Allen really is the best middle linebacker in Canada.
3. Laurier Golden Hawks - Tommy Bringi, LB
In a season where they were desperate to end their playoff drought, Michael Faulds relied on his defence to get the job done. Laurier’s defence was fuelled by tremendous talents such as senior defensive back Will Amoah and defensive lineman Ife Onyemenam. None however, we more important to success of Golden Hawks than linebacker Tommy Bringi.
Bringi led Laurier’s defence in total tackles (33.0) and interceptions (3) last season, while racking up three sacks as well as a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Bringi solidified himself as one of the OUA’s most disruptive linebackers in 2021 through displaying his ability to help stop the run, while travelling the field to defend the pass, making him a lock for being named a First Team OUA All-Star.
4. McMaster Marauders - Liam Putt, REC
Liam Putt’s career resurgence was one of the most underrated, and impressive, U SPORTS stories of 2021. Once one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the country, Putt stepped back into the Canadian football spotlight, but this time as a receiver.
In six games for the Marauders, Putt hauled in 32 receptions (T-4th in the OUA) for 381 yards (7th in the OUA) and five touchdowns (T-1st in the OUA).
It’s always easy to question statistics. In Putt’s case, though, the film puts all questions to rest
For those who had the opportunity to watch a McMaster game last season, it was clear that Putt was Andreas Dueck’s most potent weapon on offence. He’s a polished route runner who is most dangerous after the catch, and possess the ability to read defences - which makes sense considering he’s a former quarterback - and will expose mistakes in secondaries. What more could you want in a receiver?
5. Ottawa Gee-Gees - Campbell Fair, K
Yes, we are choosing a kicker as the most valuable player for the second Ottawa-based team on the list.
Why?
It’s simple: The Ottawa Gee-Gees also struggled to find the endzone in 2021, scoring only eight offensive touchdowns in 2021. Like his crosstown counterpart, kicker Campbell Fair also did his job well this season, scoring 38 of Ottawa’s 92 total points.
6. Queen’s Gaels - Rasheed Tucker, RB
2021 saw Queen’s have their greatest season since 2009, being the OUA’s lone undefeated team with a 6-0 record. The star of the show was undoubtedly Gaels running back, Rasheed Tucker.
You’ve probably heard it all before. Tucker was a work horse. Tucker was one of nation’s top ball-carriers. Tucker had a good case for winning MVP.
Allow us to present a new perspective on Tuckers 2021 campaign that further solidifies why he is the most valuable player for the Queen’s Gaels.
In six games regular season games, Steve Snyder’s offence produced 108 total points solely off of touchdowns. Tucker scored 48 of those points (44%).
7. U of T Varsity Blues - James Greig, LB
James Greig was our selection for U of T’s top breakout player, but it’s hard to see how the third-year linebacker isn’t the most valuable player for a Varsity Blues squad that relied immensely on their defence to get by in 2021.
It one thing to lead your team in tackles, something Greig did, but it’s another thing to essentially fill every stat category, something Greig also did.
37.0 tackles, three sacks, five tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one interception, and two pass break-ups.
We can already hear East-West calling his name.
8. Waterloo Warriors - Tre Ford, QB
This selection comes as no surprise. If you’ve been crowned as the nation’s top player, then you’re probably the most valuable player on your team as well. In fact, Tre Ford is probably the greatest player to ever don the black and gold as his importance to the Warriors over the last four seasons really goes without being said.
in six games, Ford threw for 1,465 yards (1st in the OUA) and 10 touchdowns (1st in the OUA), while rushing for 629 yards (3rd in the OUA) and three touchdowns (5th in the OUA).
Waterloo’s dramatic rise to becoming a Yates Cup contenders - and Vanier Cup contenders in the eyes of some - has definitely come through the efforts of greats such as Gordon Lam, Tyler Ternowski, Michael Reid, and even Tyrell Ford. But, there is no doubt that the hype train starts and stops with Tre Ford.
As much as Ford’s impact on the program was felt through his presence, expect his impact to be felt to a higher degree in his absence.
9. Western Mustangs - The Offensive Line
The Western Mustangs had the nations best ground attack in 2021. Not one, not two, but three ball-carriers showed out for the Mustangs during their run to their eighth National Championship in program history.
Throughout the six game regular season, Keon Edwards rushed for 838 yards (1st in the OUA) and nine touchdowns (1st in the OUA). In four regular season games, Trey Humes rushed for 295 yards and five touchdowns. Rookie standout back Eduard Wanadi produced a game-high 238 yards and three touchdowns in Western 61-6 victory over the StFX X-Men in the Mitchell Bowl.
It can’t be denied that Edwards, Humes and Wanadi are among the upper-echelon of U SPORTS running backs. But, the one consistency in all of their performances was the help they received from their offensive line.
Erik Anderson (OUA All-Star), Spencer Hood, Elliot Beamer (OUA All-Star, All-Canadian), Phil Grohovac (OUA All-Star, All-Canadian), and Zack Fry (OUA All-Star, All-Canadian) proved to be the most dominant offensive line in the country last season. Behind these five, the Mustangs scored 37 rushing touchdowns in 2021 (1st in U SPORTS), while averaging 280.4 rushing yards per game (1st in U SPORTS) and 7.3 yards per carry (1st in U SPORTS).
Unlike some Canadian football pundits, we refuse to go on a limb and believe any running back can lineup in Western’s backfield and achieve success - that’s a quite outrageous claim. Rest assured having that offensive line block for a running back of the same caliber of Edwards, Humes or Wanadi will result in mass casualties for any defensive front-seven across the country.
10. Windsor Lancers - David Adeniran, RB
Windsor turned a lot of heads this season with their upset victories over Guelph and McMaster. Despite this, many OUA fans remain unfamiliar with some of the names behind Windsor’s success. If there’s one name fans should know, it’s David Adeniran.
The Hamilton, ON native rushed for 415 yards, and two touchdowns through six games. Those numbers may not necessarily standout to the occasional fan. In most seasons, they wouldn’t. Adeniran’s value comes in his ability to manage the game. At 5-7, 170 Ib, he’s a down hill back that can gradually pick up yards, keep drives alive, and ultimately control the pace of the game.
It hurts to know that Adeniran was in his fifth year of eligibility. In many ways, it felt like he was just getting started. Nonetheless, he had a respectable campaign that culminated with a well-deserved OUA All-Star nod; only reinforcing the true meaning of his value to the Windsor Lancers.
11. York Lions - Jason Janvier-Messier, DE
It’s very hard to choose the most valuable player on a winless team, so instead, we’ll use this selection to highlight a young player for the York Lions who appears to be promising.
Jason Janvier-Messier is an athletic defensive end who possesses speed, strength, and a boatload of potential. Let’s see how he pans out.
Canada West
12. Alberta Golden Bears - Josiah Schakel, LB
This one doesn’t really need much explanation. Josiah Schakel was literally the best defensive player in the conference.
13. Calgary Dinos - The Philpots, RECs
When Tyson and Jalen Philpot combined for 401 receiving yards and three touchdowns in Calgary’s season opener against Saskatchewan, it was evident right then and there than this duo was on the verge of putting together a campaign for the ages.
In six games, Jalen hauled in 799 yards (1st in U SPORTS) and three touchdowns (T-5th in CW) on 43 receptions. Tyson, on the other hand, hauled in 747 yards (3rd in U SPORTS) and nine touchdowns (1st in U SPORTS) on 41 receptions.
In total, the Philpot brothers hauled in 1,546 yards and 12 touchdowns on 84 receptions.
One could say Calgary quarterback, Josiah Joseph, was living a dream!
In the end, both were named Canada West All-Stars and All-Canadians, while Tyson took home Canada West Player of the Year. But, we all know if the voting committee could, they would have given the award to both brothers.
14. Manitoba Bisons - Jackson Tachinski, QB
Stats are just as appealing as success, but narratives play a key role in determining why Jackson Tachinski was Manitoba’s most valuable player last season.
It’s never easy replacing a veteran starter, especially when you’re in your first year of eligibility. Yet, there stood Tachinski with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter of Manitoba’s Week 1 matchup, taking over the offensive huddle in relief of fifth-year Des Catellier. Even though the Bisons escaped Week 1 with a victory over the Rams, U SPORTS football fans wasted no time writing off the Bisons after the loss of Catellier.
How did Tachinski respond?
By doing what he had to do to lead this team to four wins, six Top 10 appearances, and the programs first Hardy Cup appearance since 2014. He didn’t put up Olivier Roy-like numbers or create Tre Ford-like highlights, instead he made the right plays at the right time to put his time in the right situations.
What more can you really ask for?
15. Regina Rams - Kyle Borsa, RB
Kyle Borsa made a name for himself when he ran 4.46 forty, and put up 22 reps on the bench at the 2021 CFL Combine. The performance led to the Regina native getting picked up in the fifth round of the 2021 CFL Draft by the defending Grey Cup Champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Returning to the Rams after being drafted meant bigger responsibilities would rest on the shoulders of Borsa, and it’s safe to say those responsibilities were fulfilled gracefully.
Borsa proved to be a feature back for the Rams in 2021. He took handoffs out of the backfield, ran routes to extend the pass game, and even returned kicks. Borsa’s versatility can even be reflected through one statistic: being the only player in the country to lead his team in both carries (73) and receptions (22).
16. Saskatchewan Huskies - Adam Machart, RB
Led by arguably the most decorated veteran core in the nation, the Saskatchewan Huskies returned to the Vanier Cup in 2021 after a 15-year absence. One of the biggest pieces of that run was the play of fourth-year running back Adam Machart.
After being named 2019 Canada West Player of the Year, it was easy to look at Machart’s numbers at the culmination of the 2021 regular season and think he took step back. Realistically he did, but for good reason. In light of a cool 466 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Machart, Mason Nyhus lit up opposing defences while leading one of the countries most prolific passing attacks.
As they say, big time players make big time plays, and Machart reminded us exactly how big time he is once the Huskies began the postseason. In the CW Semifinal, he would record two touchdowns against Manitoba, before rushing for a season-high 223 yards and three touchdowns in the Hardy Cup. Of course, who could forget when Machart put the Huskies on his back in the Uteck Bowl, touching the ball on 52% of Saskatchewan’s offensive possessions, rushing for 158 yards, and finding the endzone with five seconds left with one of the biggest runs in program history - you know the vibes.
Although the Huskies had an impressive regular season, it can be argued that this team doesn’t push through to the Vanier cup without the Machart’s heroics.
17. UBC Thunderbirds - Garrett Rooker, QB
If you’re UBC Head Coach Blake Nill, you have every reason to feel good about the future of your program with Garrett Rooker at the helm.
The import quarterback from League City, Texas had a masterful rookie campaign that saw him elevate the Thunderbirds to the tenth ranked passing offence in the nation. In a surprising turn of events, UBC was able to go .500, and even return to the playoffs after a brief one-year absence.
RSEQ
18. Concordia Stingers - Olivier Roy, QB
Olivier Roy’s selection for this list will come as no surprise to fans of RSEQ football. Replacing 2019 RSEQ MVP Adam Vance at quarterback, Roy embraced the role - and the spotlight - becoming the nation’s top passer and leading the Stingers to a 4-4 record.
Through eight regular season games, the Donnacona, QC native for 2,470 yards (1st in U SPORTS) and 18 touchdowns (1st in U SPORTS) while completing 61.5% of his passes. Roy’s performance was good enough to name him the unanimous RSEQ MVP, as well as receive Second Team All-Canadian honours.
19. Laval Rouge et Or - Kevin Mital, REC
For the first time in a long time, the Laval struggled offensively in 2021. The 22.7 PPG that the Rouge et Or averaged through their first four games was the lowest scoring average by any Laval offence in over 20 years. Throughout all of the struggles, however, Glen Constantine could always find consistency in receiver Kevin Mittal.
The standout athlete was among the nation’s top receivers recording 554 yards (8th in U SPORTS) and seven touchdowns (2nd in U SPORTS) on 45 receptions (2nd in U SPORTS).
In light of their offensive struggles, Mital always ensured that no matter who was at quarterback, the Rouge et Or always maintained hope that they could score through the air; a common effect brought to the table by a franchise receiver. Mital’s performance earned him RSEQ All-Star as well as Laval’s lone All-Canadian selection at a skilled position.
20. McGill Redbirds - Anthony Leclerc, LB
Another linebacker who can travel the field, commit to stopping the run, and get involved in disrupting the pass, while filling the stat sheet in every category, Anthony Leclerc did it all for McGill in 2021.
The one positive takeaway from the Redbirds’ 1-7 campaign was Leclerc’s production. Recording a team-high 55.5 tackles, along with 2.5 sacks, two forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception and three pass break-ups, Leclerc cemented himself as the leader of a mid-tier U SPORTS defence.
21. Montréal Carabins - Hassane Dosso, REC
The Montréal Carabins have one of the most exciting young cores in U SPORTS football, and a pivotal member of that core is first-year receiver Hassane Dosso.
The loss of then-leading receiver Kevin Kaya after the 2019 season sparked many questions for Montréal’s offence moving forward. Who would offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo turn to as the team’s next primary target? Hassane Dosso was always a name that popped up, but no one could have ever guessed he would blossom this early - asides form him, of course.
The Paris, France native linked up with fellow rookie Jonathan Sénécal to create one of the RSEQ’s most lethal passing attacks connecting on 48 receptions (1st in U SPORTS) for 757 yards (2nd in U SPORTS) and three touchdowns.
Dosso’s height, speed, and athleticism give Carabin fans every reason to be excited for this offence over the next 2-3 years.
22. Sherbrooke Vert et Or - Jérémie Verreault, DL
Sherbrooke didn’t have the most high-powered offence in 2021. So, they made up for it on the defensive side of the ball.
The Vert et Or’s secondary led the country in interceptions last season (T-13), an impressive accomplishment for a young group. But, none of that happens without the pressure from the defensive line, most notably the pressure from Jérémine Verreault. The fourth-year collected 5.5 sacks on the year (T-3rd in U SPORTS, 2nd in RSEQ).
AUS
23. Acadia Axemen - Kyle Chappus, DL
After claiming the Jewett Trophy in back-to-back years, nobody would have ever expected the Acadia Axemen to win only one game in 2021. It’s because of this, we’re using this selection to highlight another young player loaded with potential.
33.5 tackles, four sacks, 10 tackles for a loss.
Believe it or not, Kyle Chappus did this in only his first year of eligibility. Don’t be surprised if the Science major develops into one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the AUS.
24. Bishop’s Gaiters - Louis-Philippe Gregoire, RB
The Bishop’s Gaiters had another great season in 2021. A slow start to the suddenly transformed into the programs second trip to the Loney Bowl since moving over to the AUS from the RSEQ. A large part of their success was the contributions of fifth-year ball carrier Louis-Philippe Gregoire.
Gregoire led the AUS in rushing with 611 yards. He also was able to haul in 112 receiving yards for a total of 723 all-purpose yards (1st in AUS).
25. Mount Allison Mounties - The Secondary
Over the last decade, Laurier has often been the U SPORTS football team known to boast the league’s most talented secondary. Don’t get it twisted, the Golden Hawks still do field some of the best DBs in the nation, but if there’s one secondary that’s earned national recognition, It’s Mount Allison’s.
Five different Mounties recorded interceptions in 2021, with three of them doing so on multiple occasions. Owen O’Neal led the team with three picks (T-2nd in U SPORTS), while Daniel Bell and Terrell Connell both recorded two.
Bell himself was named AUS Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. With 37.0 tackles, four tackles for a loss, and six pass break-ups to add to his stat sheet, Bell is probably next in line to be crowned the nation’s top DB.
26. SMU Huskies - Robbie Holland, DT
A tough season for SMU.
Senior defensive tackle Robbie Holland had a good showing for the Huskies, recording 20.5 tackles, one sack, three tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.
27. StFX X-Men - Silas Fagnan, QB
It’s still hard to believe that StFX quarterback Silas Fagnan is only in his first year of eligibility. In 2021, the Bonnyville, AB native threw for 1,297 yards (10th in U SPORTS) and 10 touchdowns (4th in U SPORTS) to lead the X-Men to their first undefeated season in over 25 years.
In only his first season at the helm, Fagnan was named an AUS All-Star and crowned AUS MVP. To put things into perspective, the last U SPORTS football player to win a conference MVP award in their rookie year was Laval legend Hugo Richard in 2014. Is Fagnan the second coming of Richard? Who knows. What is clear, though, is that is Fagnan has already found himself rewriting U SPORTS history books. The next question is how much history can he rewrite?
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