2016 CIS team preview: Acadia University Axemen

Source: Eric Cederberg, Department of Athletics: Acadia University

 

2015 regular season record: 4-4

2015 regular season standings: 3^rd in AUS

2015 playoff record: 0-1

2015 playoff finish: Lost to St FX in AUS semi final
General Write-Up:

The 2015 season was a peculiar year for Acadia Axemen as they grabbed wins against each team in the conference yet lost to the top two teams as well. Injuries to several offensive linemen and All-Star running back Thomas Troop limited the Axemen’s offensive output. On the flip side, the defense played well, offering two CIS All-Canadian players who graduated this past year.

The Offensive line is expected to perform better because the amount of playing time a lot of young players received in 2015. A battle at the QB position will be carefully observed during this year’s training camp and a shuffling of positions in the backfield with receivers and running backs should be very competitive too.

Defensively, Adam Melanson at the defensive tackle position and Harland Hastings as a starting cornerback will cement a solid group of defensive players who can run and hit. Most of our defensive players will make up our special teams and will give us an edge running around on plays that cover so much yardage.

 

Quote from head coach: (Jeff Cummins) 

“I believe if we can stay healthy and continue to improve from our first day to the last, good things are going to happen. Our defensive backs and receivers should make us a very exciting team to watch in 2016. Let the adventure begin!”

Head Coach: (Jeff Cummins)

– Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2016): 14

– Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2016):14

– Career regular season record with team: 54 W – 51 L

– Career regular season record in CIS: 54 W – 51 L

– Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 60 W – 63 L

– Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 60 W – 63 L
OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: 6 

Key returning players:

Reciever Eli Prochnau was 2016 All-Star and led the AUS receivers in TD’s with 4 tied with graduate and current Argo Brian Jones. Eli also led the AUS in yards per catch at 17.4 yds per and was tied for 6^th in receptions with 27. Lastly Eli was the Axemen’s punt returner averaging 9 yds per and has lined up at QB, Punter and holder… you never know where he may line up this year.

Receiver Sabastian Robinson had a great start to 2016 season with 2 TD’s in our first game vs StFX and then battled through a few nicks and bruises to play 6 ½ games totaling 27 receptions. Sab was invited to the regional combine in Montreal this winter and hopes to capitalize on his interest from CFL teams this year.

Tailback Thomas Troop was limited last year after breaking his leg and finishing four games but still had the 2^nd highest yards per game average in conference. Thomas was an All-Star back in 2013 but has been battling injuries the last two seasons. When healthy Thomas is one of the most explosive athletes in the conference and country.
Key recruits or transfers:

Offensive lineman Nathan Heide from Saskatoon Hilltops of the CJFL National champions 2015 2016 was chosen a CJFL all-Canadian last year and the Axemen expect him to become a mainstay within our offensive line very quickly.

Receiver Cordell Hastings from Centenniel HS (Calgary, AB) was a CFC Top 100 ranked player that has the ability to run past people with his 4.5 – 40 yard speed and can also jump over people at 6’4. It is expected Cordell will get into the receiving rotation very early and make an immediate impact.

Running back Danny Obiang from Canada Prep (Niagara Falls, ON) originally out of Ottawa Ont.. Danny has been a player we were interested in while he was a two-time OVFL All-Star for the Cumberland Panther. Danny was the leading rusher at Canada Prep last year and was another top CFC Top 100 ranked player we have added to our already deep RB group.

Key losses:

Brian Jones Rec drafted Toronto Argos

Ethan Charters OL – training camp with Ottawa Red Blacks tore his ACL in camp

Derek Wodz TB – Graduation
DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: 6

Key returning players:

Adam Melanson, a fourth year defensive tackle for the Axemen, was a first team CIS All-Canadian and an AUS All-Star. Melanson is a physically dominating tackle who creates lots of problems in the middle of offensive lines, Adam finished the 2016 season with four quarterback sacks and nine tackles for a loss both of which put him in the Top 3 in conference. Adam was selected to this years East/West game to represent Acadia.

Cornerback Harland Hastings was a 2016 stalwart on the corner for Acadia. A lockdown corner who had three unofficial interceptions. He hasn’t gone unnoticed by the CFL scouts and posted an interception at this years East/West game. Garanteed that Harland will be on everyone’s scouting report as he continues to put the handcuffs on receivers.

Free safety Brandon Jennings led the AUS in interceptions with three and had an additional interception taken away in a controversial call on the road. Brandon is extremely athletic and has put in great work over the off season to shine this year as a big hitter and playmaker in 2016.

Key recruits or transfers:

Bailey Feltmate LB – Moncton HS (Moncton NB) & Team NB all star and defensive player of the year in NB.

Patrick Ruvalcaba LB – Hugh Boyd SS (Vancouver, BC) led team in tackles and was conference all star

Arrien MacDonald CB – Holland College (Charlottetown, PEI) originally from Freeport Bahamas. Second year starter at Holland, extremely aggressive man to man cover guy and has hopes of returning punts too.

Key losses:

Drew Morris LB Graduation (rookie camp Montreal)– AUS Def MVP & 1^st team All-Canadian

Jesse St James DE Graduation – AUS Metras Nominee & 1^st team CIS All-Canadian

Brian Doyle LB Graduation – starting Will LB and emotional leader

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Key returning players:

Jeff Beattie K/P

Eli Prochnau Punt Returner
Key recruits or transfers:

Jalla Lansanah Returner Ottawa Meyers Riders (Ottawa, ON)

Key losses:

NONE