A year ago, they weren’t even big names.
Now, they stay edged in your mind on Saturday afternoons.
We like to call them breakout players.
We’re looking at breakout players from all 27 U SPORTS football Programs.
OUA
Carleton Ravens - Kaseem Ferdinand & Federick Hatchey, RECs
Tanner DeJong being healthy means players on the Ravens’ offence can finally have an opportunity to flourish.
With that being said, Kaseem Ferdinand & Federick Hatchey have flourished gracefully with DeJong under new head coach Corey Grant.
Ferdinand is second on the offence in receiving yards (332) and first in touchdowns (4), while Hatchey leads the offence in receiving yards (368) and has a touchdown. Together, the duo combines for 127.7 yards of offensive production per game.
Guelph Gryphons - Scott Murray, LB
The 2022 Guelph Gryphons are off-brand just due to the fact that they’re sitting at the bottom of the OUA standings.
The one area where this team manages to stay on-brand is at the linebacker position.
Third-year linebacker Scott Murray is the next Guelph linebacker to step into the national scene, following in the footsteps of recent players at the position such as Jared Beeksma and AJ Allen.
Through six games, Murray has six sacks (3rd in U SPORTS), 19.0 total tackles, and 11.0 tackles for a loss (1st in U SPORTS).
Laurier Golden Hawks - Quinten Scott, RB
Two months ago, if I had told you that seven weeks into the regular season, Quinton Scott would be the nation’s leading rusher and a player to watch in OUA MVP conversations, would you have believed me?
Unless you’re Scott himself, you’re lying if you just said yes.
Here we are though, heading into week eight, and through six games, Scott has recorded 750 rushing yards (1st in U SPORTS) and six rushing touchdowns (3rd in U SPORTS), while averaging 125.0 rushing yards per game (1st in U SPORTS) - all of this after rushing for only 146 yards and one touchdown in 2021.
With Laurier currently sitting at 4-2 with two games remaining, Scott has engaged in a fierce race down the stretch with Western’s Keon Edwards for the U SPORTS rushing crown. If Scott can lock up the rushing crown and close the gap in rushing touchdowns with Queen’s ball-carrier Anthony Soles (who currently has 10 rushing TDs), there is a good case for the Brampton, ON native to be the first running back to win OUA MVP since Dillon Campbell - another legendary Laurier running back - did it back in 2014.
McMaster Marauders - Benjamin MacDonald, K
If you’re a fan of kickers - like us - Benjamin MacDonald has become a player that’s stood out to you this season.
The former receiver has become one of the best kickers in the nation, drilling 15 made field goals (2nd in U SPORTS) after six games, and has recorded a total of 61 points (4th in U SPORTS).
Ottawa Gee-Gees - Kevin Victome, DB
Kevin Victome has been a name known throughout the OUA circuits for a few years now if we’re being real.
Given the success of the Ottawa Gee-Gees in 2022, however, the greatness of Victome has only been magnified to larger proportions.
24.5 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups (1st in U SPORTS)
No defensive back has broken up more passes this season than Victome. In fact, against Ottawa’s secondary, offences are averaging only 184.0 passing yards per game (8th least in U SPORTS), and a huge part of that can be credited to the Ottawa native himself.
Queen’s Gaels - Anthony Soles, RB
In 2021, the Queen’s Gaels had one of the top rushing attacks in the nation led by Rasheed Tucker.
The departure of Tucker left many concerned with the future of Steve Snyder’s offence.
Well, the concerns have been put to rest as the Gaels have returned in 2022 with a rushing attack that exceeds its on-field predecessor through elite depth.
The 2022 Queen’s Gaels are equipped with running back in Yann Longa and Jaden Blackman, who can both give you over 100 rushing yards on any given day. There’s no doubt, though, that the breakout star of this group has been second-year Anthony Soles.
In six games, Soles has become one of the most productive rushers in the nation, recording 653 rushing yards (6th in U SPORTS), and 10 touchdowns (1st in U SPORTS) on 89 carries (T-6th in U SPORTS), averaging 108.8 yards per game (6th in U SPORTS).
Over the last two games - against Guelph and York - Soles has found the endzone seven times, most notably tying the program's all-time record for most touchdowns in a single game (4) against Guelph.
With two more games to go, and statistically one of the nation’s best players at the moment, if Soles can have a strong close to the season, don’t be surprised if you hear his name get flushed into OUA MVP conversations along with JP Cimankinda and the aforementioned Keon Edwards and Quinton Scott.
U of T Varsity Blues - Adam Williams, RB
In a year where the OUA has become a run-heavy conference, Adam Williams gives U of T the strongest ground attack they’ve had in a decade - a primary reason why they’ve managed to stay competitive.
Leading a ground game that’s centred around himself, Luka Stoikos, and Kinsale Philip, Williams currently has 636 rushing yards (7th in U SPORTS), and four touchdowns (T-9th in U SPORTS), averaging 90.9 rushing yards per game (8th in U SPORTS).
Waterloo Warriors - Tyson Hergott, DL
It’s no surprise that the Waterloo Warriors are having a rough year.
Amidst all the struggle, a bright spot for this program has been the play of defensive lineman Tyson Hergott.
Through six games, Hergott leads the team in sacks (3.5) and has also recorded 17.0 total tackles, one forced fumble and two pass breakups.
Solid production for the 6’3”, 255-pounder.
Western Mustangs - Eduard Wanadi, RB
You probably aren’t surprised to see a running back in at Western’s spot on this list.
A running back being the annual breakout player for the Mustangs almost serves as a rite of passage for this program, if you think about it.
A few years back, you could have said Trey Humes.
Last year, it was Keon Edwards.
This year, it’s Eduard Wanadi.
Less attentive fans may refer to him as the “second-string” running back, but those who’ve really dialled into Wanadi’s performances throughout 2022 know that he can best be described as the “1A” or “1B” on any given night just due to his production.
682 rushing yards (4th in U SPORTS), 113.7 rushing yards per game (4th in U SPORTS), and seven rushing touchdowns (T-2nd in U SPORTS) all on only 69 carries.
If I told you those were the numbers of someone who isn’t a starter, would you believe me?
Probably not.
Considering Wanadi just rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns on U of T, does it even matter who starts at running back for the Wester Mustangs?
Probably not.
Regardless, Eduard Wanadi is probably the breakout player of the year, as he’s a top-five rusher in the nation, and could even be included in OUA MVP conversations - if you wanted to go that far.
Makes you wonder how much damage could he do as a full-time starter - scary hours.
Windsor Lancers - Joey Zorn, RB
Despite their glimpses of success last season, many are surprised by the play of the Windsor Lancers in 2022.
The Lancers are currently sitting at .500 with a 3-3 record, that has featured victories over Guelph, U of T, and York.
Windsor’s defence has played a pivotal role in their 2022 campaign thus far, but there’s no doubt that the lifeline of their offence has been running back Joey Zorn.
Through five games, the Flint, Michigan product has rushed for 658 yards (5th in U SPORTS), and five touchdowns (T-4rd in U SPORTS), while averaging 109.7 rushing yards per game (5th in U SPORTS).
For those who doubt the legitimacy of the Windsor Lancers, I challenge you to actually watch this team play and pay attention to Zorn specifically. You won’t be disappointed
Only his first year, don’t be surprised to see Zorn rush his way to OUA, and possibly U SPORTS, Rookie of the Year honours.
York Lions - Alfred Olay, REC
This year, Alred Olay is the York player who you can point to as evidence that the Lions actually have good players on their roster, but just can’t make it click on the field - a yearly tradition.
Olay is currently leading the nation in total all-purpose yards (1,214) and all-purpose yards per game (173.3).
Canada West
Alberta Golden Bears - Eli Hetlinger, QB
With players such as Jayden Dalke and Josiah Shakel having donned the green and gold over the years, it can easily be said that Alberta's identity throughout the last few seasons has been rooted in defensive greatness.
But, with the graduation of so many key defensive players, including Dalke and Shakel themselves, the door was left wide open for the Golden Bears to adopt a new identity.
Enter rookie quarterback Eli Hetlinger.
In a conference where many were looking to quarterbacks such as Des Catellier, Garrett Rooker, and Mason Nyhus to be the premier gun-slingers, Hetlinger has not only emerged as one of the best in Canada West but one of the best in the nation.
1,396 passing yards (4th in U SPORTS), nine passing touchdowns (6th in U SPORTS), 279.2 passing yards per game (3rd in U SPORTS), and an efficiency rating of 151.0 (7th in U SPORTS)
Rest assured, the Canada West Rookie of the Year race starts with Hetlinger.
Calgary Dinos - Dante Carbone
What a catch.
Manitoba Bisons - Brayden Stubbs, RB
Breydon Stubbs may only be in his second year, but the Winnipeg native has definitely been an impact player on offence for the Bisons in 2022.
Stubbs is currently Manitoba’s leading rusher (285 YDS, 1 TD), is fifth in receiving (137 YDS, 2 TDS), and first in all-purpose production (436 TOT YDS, 109.0 YPG).
Again, only in his second year. Future is bright.
Regina Rams - Anthony Bennett, DL
No, we’re not talking about THAT Anthony Bennett
To the shock of many - and we mean MANY - Regina has risen to become of the top teams in the nation this season.
A key reason for the success of the Rams has been their defence. Currently allowing only 67.8 rushing yards per game (1st in U SPORTS) and 17.0 points per game (9th in U SPORTS), Sheldon Gray’s unit has proven that they can limit any opposing offence in the Canada West conference.
A huge factor in that defensive success has been the stellar play of fifth-year defensive lineman Anthony Bennett.
The division 1 transfer can easily be described as the most athletic and dominant defensive lineman in the nation right now. Let the stats tell the story:
6.5 sacks (2nd in U SPORTS), 16.5 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery, and one interception that was returned for 28 yards.
The front-runner for Canada West Lineman of the Year? I’d say so.
Saskatchewan Huskies - Ted Kubongo, RB
It’ll always be unclear as to how or why UBC was never able to make use of Ted Kubongo during the years they had him - especially considering their offence was in a rebuilding phase - but regardless, Kubongo has finally landed with a team that is allowing him to shine on multiple facets of the game, in the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Yes, by position, Kubongo is a running back, but he can do it all.
In fact, playing in only five games this season, Kubongo has done it all.
212 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 133 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 262 return yards, and one kick returned for a touchdown, all for an average of 125.5 all-purpose yards per game (11th in U SPORTS).
Hands down the most impactful U SPORTS transfer we’ve seen in a long time.
UBC Thunderbirds - Ryan Baker, LB
Ryan Baker is having a pretty good season for the T-Birds.
38.0 total tackles (team-high), two sacks (team-high), two tackles for a loss (team-high), and an average of 7.6 tackles per game (team-high).
RSEQ
Concordia Stingers - Jaylan Greaves, REC
Not a breakout player by any means, Jaylan Greaves was the 2021 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year. But, in a year where the Stingers have struggled to live up to their expectations, Greaves has stood out as one of the few consistently great performers on this team.
Greaves’ 341 receiving yards and five touchdowns (4th in U SPORTS), have him solidified as the RSEQ’s second-leading receiver in 2022 after Laval’s Kevin Mital.
Laval Rouge et Or - Arnaud Desjardins, QB
Last season, Laval had one of the least productive offences in the program’s history - still ended up being among the top offences in the nation, though.
Whatever offensive “struggles” the Rouge et Or may have experienced a year ago have been solved through quarterback Arnaud Desjardins.
The Montréal native is currently the nation’s leading passer having thrown for 1,771 yards (1st in U SPORTS) and 15 touchdowns (1st in U SPORTS).
Through Desjardins, Laval has the third most productive offence across U SPORTS as they’ve already produced 2700 total yards of offence (3rd in U SPORTS), and are averaging 460.5 total yards per game (4th in U SPORTS).
With Desjardins himself throwing for 295.2 yards per game (2nd in U SPORTS), the Rouge et Or have once again found themselves being odds-on favourites to win the Dunsmore Cup in 2022 - despite having lost to Montréal in their first meeting.
McGill Redbirds - Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald, QB
Another duel-threat quarterback? The Ford Effect lives on.
Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald has drawn a ton of attention this season for his ability to both throw and run the ball. Only in his first year, Latendresse-Regimbald is currently 7th in the nation in passing yards (1,258) and 13th in rushing yards (363).
The Redbirds may not be a contender by any means this season, but Latendresse-Regimbald is a promising prospect who can really help launch this program in the right direction.
Side Note: The defence that has had the hardest time containing Latendresse-Regimbald this season is Laval
Montréal Carabins - Nicky Farinaccio, LB
If you stand out as the best linebacker for the Montréal Carabins then oftentimes, you’re probably one of the best linebackers in the country.
Nicky Farinaccio is one of the best linebackers in the country.
The Carabins’ defence only allows 79.8 rushing yards per game (2nd lowest in U SPORTS), and a big reason for that can be credited to Farinnacio’s ability to not only clog up holes but make a living in the backfield.
In only five games, Farinaccio is leading the nation in sacks (8.5) and forced fumbles (3).
With three more games to go, Farinaccio probably has an RSEQ Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Canadian nod locked up, but the only honour he probably cares about - like most of Montréal’s roster - is hoisting that Vanier.
Sherbrooke Vert et Or - Marius Massé-Vincelette, DB
Marius Massé-Vincelette is one of those players that always finds himself in the right place at the right time.
Why do I say that?
Because he has four fumble recoveries (1st in U SPORTS)
Now, knowing what we know about Sherbrooke’s offence - 20th in U SPORTS when it comes to production - defensive turnovers have been huge in helping this program achieve a 3-3 record.
And of course, you guessed it, Massé-Vincelette has secured the most turnovers on that defence (4 FR, 1 FF, 1 INT).
AUS
Acadia Axemen - Emmanuel Beals, DB
In a tough season for the Axemen, defensive back Emmanuel Beals has made an impact all over the field with three tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and two pass breakups.
Bishop’s Gaiters - Gabriel Royer, LB
39.5 total tackles (4th in U SPORTS), five sacks (T-3rd in U SPORTS), two interceptions (T-3rd in U SPORTS), one forced fumble, and averaging 7.9 tackles per game (1st in U SPORTS)
Bishop’s linebacker Gabriel Royer is well on his way to being named the AUS Defensive Player of the Year, and an AUS All-Star.
If we’re being honest, he has a serious case for All-Canadian consideration too.
Side Note: Royer’s performance against Mount Allison will probably go down as the best game by any linebacker across the country in 2022.
Mount Allison Mounties - Lucas Cormier, DB
For the second straight season, Mount Allison probably has the best shutdown DB duo in the nation with Daniel Bell and Lucas Cormier.
In 2021, Bell stood out as the conference’s top defensive back and this year, it’s Cormier’s turn.
Through six games, Cormier leads the conference in interceptions (3) and is second in pass breakups (5).
SMU Huskies - Jerome Tshimpangila, DL
Jerome Tshimpangila is a 6’5”, 235-pound defensive lineman who currently has three sacks on the season and is only in his second year.
Read that again.
StFX X-Men - Malcolm Bussey, RB
Malcolm Bussey technically isn’t a breakout star at all. He was the conferences leading rusher in 2021, as well as an AUS All-Star and the AUS Rookie of the Year.
So what’s the difference this year?
The answer: not much.
Bussey is once again the conference’s leading rusher in both yards and touchdowns. He’s well on his way to being named an AUS All-Star once again. And he’ll have a good case to be named MVP as he and his quarterback, Silas Fagnan, are two clear front-runners.
About 57th Vanier Cup
The 2022 Vanier Cup is the 57th edition of the championship and will be hosted at Western Alumni Stadium in London, Ontario on November 26th with kick-off at 1pm. The winner of the Uteck and Mitchell Bowl will face off against one another for the right to engrave their school’s name onto this historic trophy. The Western Mustangs are the defending champions, making it only the second time in U SPORTS history that the defending champions will be hosting the game and have the opportunity to defend their title on home turf. Tickets are on-sale now starting at only $25! Visit www.VanierCup.com to learn more and to purchase your tickets today!
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