Academics, coaches draw three to McGill

McGill adds three Québec commits to their Class of 2018.

Coming for the football and staying for the business programs, offensive lineman Keven Bernard from Cégep de Drummondville, defensive lineman Thomas Trépanier from Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and linebacker Thomas Jinchereau from Cégep de Champlain St-Lambert will probably be seeing one another in the classroom almost as much as on the field with McGill.

Keven Bernard

Touted as one of Canada’s top universities, Keven Bernard was well aware of the university’s reputation when he agreed to become a member of McGill.

“I have committed to McGill because it is a very great school. I don’t think there is a better school for me to succeed in my studies and as a football player,” the potential accounting student said. “It is (also) a priority for me to study in English.”

In terms of football, Bernard is confident in his future coaches. He said he thinks the staff is very solid. “They have a lot of football knowledge and I know that they can bring out the best of me as a student and as a football player,” Bernard added. “Since my first visit, I felt that I am apart of the family. They are always there for their players on and off the field.”

Prior to playing four years with Les Voltigeurs du Cégep de Drummondville (RSEQ Division 3), Bernard played at l’École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier. Standing at 6’1, 275lbs, the product of Drummondville, Québec was an offensive lineman MVP and all-star in 2016. This season, he returned to the all-star team and received an award for academic merit.

Thomas Trépanier

After tearing his ACL, Thomas Trépanier had to take the 2017 season off. However, his impressive play in years prior was not forgotten by the team. Set to join the team in 2018, Trépanier is excited to get started.

“I believe at McGill I can grow as both a professional and a football player,” Trépanier said. “Having the opportunity to be coached by Head Coach Ron Hilarie will be great for my development as a defensive lineman.”

Trépanier will be taking a bachelor of commerce with the goal of completing a masters in finance down the road. “I chose this school because of the opportunity of studying at Desautels, which is one of the best business programs in the country,” he said.

The 6’1, 250lbs lineman spent three years with Les Géants du Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (RSEQ Division 1). In 2015, he won a Division 2 Bol d’Or with the team. He is originally from Saint-Bruno, Québec, and won an academic award for his grades this year. He said he is looking to become an academic all-Canadian.

Thomas Jinchereau

When Thomas Jinchereau attends McGill, he knows he will be in good hands. “I chose McGill for its reputation around the world,” he said, adding that he thinks the coaching staff is “great and dedicated to improving the program.”

Interested in commerce, Jinchereau spent his cégep career with the Champlain College St-Lambert Cavaliers (RSEQ Division 3). In 2015 and 2016, he played on the baseball and football editions of Team Québec. He is 6’0, 215lbs and is from Saint-Julie, Québec.