PREVIEW: “We’re going to build on our successes, learn from our mistakes…” (VIDEO)

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UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO VARSITY BLUES (OUA – TORONTO, ONTARIO):

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues went 4-4 in 2013, their best record since the 1993 Yates and Vanier Cup championship season. University of Toronto defeated the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, York Lions, Carleton Ravens and Waterloo Warriors and just missed the playoffs after tie-breaking procedures.

Three Blues were named OUA all-stars and two earned CIS all-Canadian status, including returner Kevin Bradfield. Bradfield led all players in the country with 734 yards on 59 punt returns and one touchdown in 2013. He etched his named into U of T’s record book, passing Glenn McCausland’s (1990-94) career punt return yardage record of 1,135 yards and also set new University of Toronto records for the most punt returns (59) and punt return yardage (734) in a single season.

Entering his fourth season as head coach, Greg Gary welcomes new offensive and defensive coordinators in 2014. Luigi Costanzo, who helped the Ottawa Gee-Gees to the second best offence in total yards last season, steers Toronto’s offence this season, while University of Toronto’s defensive corps is under the leadership of three-time CFL all-star Kevin Eiben.

In 2014, the focus shifts to fourth-year veteran quarterback Simon Nassar, who is expected to make the start in the Blues season opener on Labour Day after throwing for 1549 yards in four starts last season. His back up is third-year pivot Chris Jugovic, who also had a stellar 2013 campaign, posting 909 passing yards before succumbing to injury.

Receivers Llevi Noel, Boris Isakov and Michael Kanopolous are back in the starting line-up, while Alex Malone and Lucas Gavac will battle for the starting running back position. CFL draftee Aaron Wheaton is set to lead Toronto’s offensive line, which also returns 2014 OUA all-rookie Danny Sprukulis.

Toronto’s defensive front line is an all-veteran group, including Everton Williams, Aaron Jervis and Zack Lukings, as well as veteran linebackers Dylan Gordon and David Green. The Blues secondary will be highlighted by free safety John Connors, who returns from injury after missing the majority of 2013, as well as corners Jaiden McBride and Jimmy Ro, and half Trevor Harvey.

“Although we are coming off one of our strongest finishes in several years, there is still a lot of work to be done,” commented Varsity Blues Head Coach Greg Gary.  “We’ve got a great group of veterans back with us and a large recruiting class coming in so I’m excited for this year to get started.”

“We’re going to build on our successes, learn from our mistakes and take this season one game at a time.”

Varsity Blues Week 2 loss

OFFENSE:

RETURNEES:

Quarterback Simon Nassar returns for his fourth season in the Blue and White. Nassar threw for 1549 yards and 13 touchdowns in four starts last season.

Wide receiver Llevi Noel is coming off an impressive rookie season. Noel ranked third on the team with 502 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2013.

Receiver Boris Isakov will step into a starting role this season. The 2013 Queen’s Gaels transfer made nine catches for 118 yards last season.

Offensive lineman Aaron Wheaton is a fifth-year veteran who has been an integral member of the Blues offensive line since 2010. He was taken 28th overall by the Ottawa REDBLACKS in the 2014 CFL draft.

Offensive lineman Danny Sprukulis was recognized as a 2013 OUA All-Rookie last season and also earned 2013-14 University of Toronto male rookie of the year honours.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Running back Divante Smith was named the 2013 St. Marcellinus most valuable player and was named to their 10-year All-Star Team.

Offensive lineman Ryan Searle is a 6-foot-5, 285-pound transfer from the Guelph Gryphons.

Receiver Rahul Madan was a two-time overall male athlete of the year at Sir John A MacDonald C.I.

Gurjant Singh

DEFENSE:

RETURNING:

Linebacker Dylan Gordon led the team and ranked sixth in the OUA with 47 tackles. He recorded a season-high nine tackles at Queen’s on Oct. 20th.

Defensive lineman Aaron Jervis led Toronto’s defensive line with 23 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one blocked punt in 2013.

Defensive back John Connors ranked second on the team with 29 solo tackles in 2012.

Defensive back Trevor Harvey recorded 34.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three break ups and one interception for an 88-yard touchdown last season.
Defensive back Jaiden McBride posted 21.5 tackles, one break up and two forced fumbles last year.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Linebacker Robert Welch represented Canada at the 2014 under-19 Commonwealth Games.

Defensive lineman Gurjant Singh is a 6-foot-2, 240-pound defensive lineman, who was named to the CanadaFootballChat.com’s 100 Class of 2014.

Defensive lineman Javin Haughton helped the St. Roch Ravens to an undefeated season in 2013.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

RETURNING:

Punt Return/Kick Return Specialist Kevin Bradfield. The 2013 CIS all-Canadian led the CIS with 734 yards on 59 punt returns. Broke University of Toronto’s single season and career punt return yardage records last year.

Kicker Eric Hewitson returns for his second season as Toronto’s place kicker. Made 11-fo-16 attempted field goals, with a season-long 41-yard strike versus both Guelph and Carleton.

Punter Marcus Hobbs averaged 34.1 yards per punt in 2013. Also went 11-for-15 for 121 yards and rushed 14 times for 34 yards and four TD’s.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Kicker/Punter Anthony Iafrate was named to the CISAA 2013 football all-star team as a member of the St. Michael’s College Kerry Blues.

varsity_blues_Athletic T

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO VARSITY BLUES (OUA – TORONTO, ONTARIO):

2013 RECORD: 4-4 regular season

HEAD COACH: Greg Gary (fourth season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: N/A

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: N/A

KEY RETURNEES: Simon Nassar (quarterback), Llevi Noel (wide receiver), Boris Isakov (receiver), Aaron Wheaton (offensive line), Danny Sprukulis (offensive line), Dylan Gordon (linebacker), Aaron Jervis (defensive line), John Connors (defensive back), Trevor Harvey (defensive back), Jaiden McBride (defensive back),  Kevin Bradfield (special teams),  Eric Hewitson (kicker), Marcus Hobbs (punter)

KEY LOSSES: Paul de Pass (wide receiver), Alex Pierzchalski (wide receiver/special teams), Aaron Milton (running back), Abbey Olusoga (defensive line), Harrison Beeforth (linebacker/special teams), Chris Johnson (linebacker), Kevin Kinahan (safety)

NEW ADDITIONS: Gurjant SIngh (defensive line – CFC 100), Divante Smith (running back), Ryan Searle (offensive line – Guelph Gryphons transfer), Rahul Madan (receiver), Robert Welch (linebacker), Javin Haughton (defensive line), Anthony Iafrate (kicker/punter)

(Source:  Jill Clark, University of Toronto Varsity Blues Sports Information)

 

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