2013 CIS Preview: UBC Thunderbirds (VIDEO)

After an injury riddled 2012 season which saw the Thunderbirds finish 2-6 and out of the playoffs, fourth year head coach Shawn Olson believes this past off season has been the best the program has had under his watch. From recruiting, to training, to the players taking ownership of the program, Olson is impressed with the work ethic of his entire group and is eager to see how it translates on to the field in 2013. With every team chasing the five-time defending Canada West Champions from Calgary, Olson believes the Thunderbirds have the talent to compete and challenge for one of the top spots in the ultra competitive conference.

The biggest challenge will be to fill the void left by former Hec Crighton Trophy winner Billy Greene at the quarterback position. With last year’s back up Dominik Bundschuh (Vienna, Austria) moving to receiver it will come down to fourth year product Carson Williams (Abbotsford, BC) and Greg Bowcott (Abbotsford, BC) who joins the ‘Birds after leading the Langley Rams to a BC Junior Football Championship an appearance in the Canadian Bowl. Both pivots bring different strengths to the table, but clear have the talent and skill set to lead this team. Former Terry Fox Secondary standout Trevor Casey (Port Coquitlam, BC) rounds out the group of quarterbacks.

Head coach Shawn Olson expects this year’s offence to be a run first attack and why not with the return of the Canada West’s leading rusher in 2012 Brandon Deschamps (Prince George, BC). The third-year back picked up 785 yards on the ground last season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns. Competing for the back up job will be Jeff Effah (Ottawa, ON), who is back after missing last season with a knee injury, red shirt Ray Calderwood (Tsawwassen, BC), and former Vancouver College standout  Liam Mahara (Vancouver, BC).

Despite the loss of veteran Jordan Grieve, the Thunderbirds boast an array of talent in their receiving corps. Leading the way will be fifth-year product Micha Theil (West Vancouver, BC). He had 20 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Patrick Bull (Vancouver, BC) will look to build off a solid second year in which he made 22 catches for 272 yards and four touchdowns. Last year’s mid-season surprise Andrew Darcovich (White Rock, BC) is looking for a more regular role in 2013 after registering 11 receptions for 181 yards and three touchdowns in just four games last year. After an injury riddled 2012 campaign, David Scott (El Paso, Texas) is eager to prove he can be a top target again, while second year speedster Alex Morrison (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) has all the physical tools standing 6’4, 220 lbs, now he will get the opportunity to show his stuff on the field. Others looking to get in the mix include the athletic Dominik Bundschuh who moves from quarterback to receiver, Josh Kronstrom (Mission, BC), Niko Jacobs (Mission, BC), as well as rookies Willie Watson (White Rock, BC) and David Mann (South Delta, BC).

Veterans Joey Gabrick (Surrey, BC) and Ryan Couper (London, ON) will battle it out to be the starting H-back. The hybrid position is a combination of fullback, tight end, and slot receiver.

Doing the heavy lifting up front will be an offensive line anchored by hulking 6’7, 320lbs left tackle Alex Pennell (Port Coquitlam, BC). He will be joined by fellow returner and 2013 East West Bowl participant Ethan Schnell (Kamloops, BC) who is expected to move from right tackle to right guard in 2013. After being forced to move to the defensive side of the ball due to injuries in 2012, Jas Dhillon (Surrey, BC) will be back on offence to play left guard. Versatile Gord Randall (North Delta, BC) is back for his second year with the ‘Birds and could slot in at either tackle or centre. Other guys battling it out for playing time include Eric Angerman (Calgary, AB), Tony Ganton (Surrey, BC), Brydon Cotter (Vancouver, BC), and Chris MacPhie (Hamilton, ON).

On the sidelines fourth year coach Jamie Stoddard takes over as offensive coordinator from Shawn Olson, allowing the head coach to oversee the entire team rather then focusing entirely on the offence. Stoddard is a former All-Canadian receiver at the University of Alberta and would go on to play nine seasons in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The other big coaching move this off season was the addition of Jerry Friesen as defensive coordinator. The 2004 CIS Coach of the Year spent 10 years as the head coach of the Alberta Golden Bears (2001-10) after a long run with the University of Saskatchewan as their defensive coordinator. He brings a ton of experience and is known as an excellent teacher, which is perfect for a young, up and coming defence.

There is no doubt the most depth at one position is the defensive line. As many as nine different players could see significant playing time this year. Leading the group of returners is Kareem Ba (White Rock, BC), Spencer Wilson (Arnprior, ON), and Martin Park (Surrey, BC). After red shirting last year Steven Mawa (Port Coquitlam, BC) is eager for game action at defensive tackle. UBC recruited heavily in Friesen’s home province of Saskatchewan and were able to bring in a pair of junior standouts who will challenge for playing time, Regina Thunder product Boyd Richardson (Regina, SK) and 2012 CJFC All-Star Donovan Dale (Saskatoon, SK) of the Saskatoon Hilltops. Returners expected to take the next step this season include Justice Osei (Brampton, ON), Ethan Sadowski (Delta, BC), and Riley Horvath (Fort Macleod, AB).

In terms of the linebacking corps Vivie Bojilov (New Westminster, BC), who represented UBC at the 2013 East West Bowl is back and hoping to remain healthy this season after only playing six of eight games in 2012. Tom Harris (Ottawa, ON) has found a home as the ‘Birds SAM backer, a cross between a linebacker and a defensive back, focusing on being the primary cover linebacker. The other starting spot will be a marquee battle between second year player Riley Jones (Delta, BC), prototypical run stopper Ian Henderson (New Westminster, BC), and former Regina Thunder all-star Yianni Cabylis (Regina, SK). Don’t count out Pierre Lacerte (Quebec City, QC), Ben Bahrami (North Vancouver, BC), Mark McCutcheon (Abbotsford, BC), and Charlie Thorpe (North Vancouver, BC) who all saw significant time in the line up in 2012.

Last year the defensive backfield was riddled with the injuries; however, this resulted in a number of young players getting the opportunity to play and as a result this year will provide the most intriguing competition for playing time. Expect Bryan Rideout (Victoria, BC) at halfback and Miguel Barker (Edmonton, AB) at cornerback to solidify their starting positions. At safety Returners Jordan Bosa (Burnaby, BC), Warren Reece (New Westminster, BC), and Okanagan Sun product Bobby Davis (West Kelowna, BC) will battle it for number one job. Others competing for positions are Chris Adams (Tsawwassen, BC), Kehl Snyder (Calgary, AB), Nikolaas Termansen (North Vancouver, BC), Dallas Yassinsky (Abbotsford, BC), Mitch Lesyk (Abbotsford, BC), 2012 BC High School Football Double ‘A’ Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Wiens (Mission, BC), and Shaquille Davis (Richmond Hill, ON).

The job as the team’s starting kicker is up for grabs in 2013 after the departure of Thomas Moult due to injury. Battling it out will be Quinn Van Gylswyk (Victoria, BC) and Steve Shott (North Vancouver, BC). Both are coming off impressive careers in junior football and have shown they have the ability to be impact players on special teams.

Source:  Dan Elliott, UBC Thunderbirds Sports Information