PREVIEW: “We expect to be a difficult team to play against this year in the tough Canada West”

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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (UBC) THUNDERBIRDS (CWUAA – VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA):

Heading into the fifth season under head coach Shawn Olson, the UBC Thunderbirds have high expectations for 2014. Returning 19 of 24 starters, including three CIS All-Canadians, the Thunderbirds are ready to take the next step and bring home the program’s first Hardy Cup since 1997.

Offensively UBC will once again be led by running back Brandon Deschamps. The third leading rusher in the CIS last season, the fourth-year back from Prince George, BC, racked up 1,007 yards on the ground in just seven games. He will be running behind a hulking offensive line anchored by CIS Second Team All-Canadian Alec Pennell.

Defensively the Thunderbirds return a front four that will send shivers down the spine of opposing quarterbacks. Led by Canada West J.P. Metras nominee Donovan Dale, speedy rush end Kareem Ba, and 2014 Hamilton Tiger-Cats draft pick Steve Mawa UBC will be a force to be reckoned with as they look to become the most dominant defense in the conference.

On special teams they have a game changer in CIS First Team All-Canadian punter Quinn van Gylswyk. He led the country with a 43.1 punting average and was solid on field goals making good on 16 of 22 opportunities.

“We believe we have talented and fairly mature team,” commented Thunderbirds Head Coach Shawn Olson.  “Our offseason leadership and participation has been outstanding and in my experience that normally leads to very successful seasons, so we expect to be a difficult team to play against this year in the tough Canada West.”

“We have added some speed and size to our roster with this year’s recruiting class.  As usual, we have tempered expectations with our first year players, however, with that being said we do have some new players with eye popping athleticism who could be a factor for us this season. I hate predicting where we slot in this season and am not much for playing games on paper, which is why we play games. Our focus will be on our preparation and how we execute, but I believe this will be one of our top teams we have assembled at UBC since I have been the coach here.”

OFFENSE:

RETURNING:

Running back Brandon Deschamps is set for his fourth season with UBC. He was one of just three players to rush for over 1,000 yards in 2013 and the only one not named a CIS First-Team All-Canadian. He racked up 1,007 yards on the ground in just seven games averaging an impressive 143.9 yards rushing per game.

Receiver David Scott is back for his fifth and final season with the Thunderbirds and is looking to pick up where he left off in the second half of the 2013 season. The lanky wideout became the go to receiver for the Thunderbirds leading UBC with 40 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns.

Offensive lineman Alex Pennell anchors a hulking offensive line that finished third in the Canada West averaging 219 yards rushing per game, while giving up just seven quarterback sacks, best in the conference. The 6’8, 320lbs lineman earned CIS Second Team All-Canadian honours in 2013 and looks to continue his rapid ascension in 2014 as one of the best offensive linemen in the country.

Quarterback Carson Williams split time last season with Greg Bowcott as the Thunderbirds number one pivot. The two played off each other well in 2013 with Williams finishing the season with 1,012 yards passing and four touchdowns. He will be looking to take over the job on a full-time basis in 2014.

Quarterback Greg Bowcott is the other half of UBC’s two-headed quarterback monster. He adds another element with his rushing ability, finishing with 319 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns to go along with 828 passing yards and seven touchdown passes. Like Williams, he too will be looking to play himself in to the permanent number one job.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Running back Terrell Davis comes to UBC after transferring from Arizona State. The 2011 BC AAA High School Football Player of the Year, Davis is excited for the opportunity to return to his home province and to challenge incumbent Brandon Deschamps for playing time at the running back position.

Receiver Marcus Davis (CFC 100) is the younger brother of Arizona State transfer Terrell and is the two-time BC AAA High School Football Player of the Year (2012 & 2013) while helping Mount Doug to three-straight BC AAA Championship titles (2011-2013). With his skill package he can be used in all types of situations as a running back, receiver, or returner.

 

DEFENSE:

RETURNING:

Defensive lineman Donovan Dale made an immediate impact in his first season with the Thunderbirds in 2013 leading UBC with five sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. He was named a CIS First Team All-Canadian and the Canada West nominee for the J.P. Metras Award as the country’s most outstanding lineman.

Defensive end Kareem Ba is the type player who has the ability to take over a game. Last season he recorded five quarterback sacks, seven tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles. Expect him to be a thorn in the side of offensive linemen all across the Canada West.

Linebacker Yianni Cabylis adapted well to the CIS game after joining the Thunderbirds from the Regina Thunder in 2013. He eventually established himself as the anchor of UBC’s linebacking corps finishing the year with 42 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery touchdown. He saved his best game for the playoffs where he led the Thunderbirds with 16 tackles in an opening round loss to Calgary.

Safety Jordan Bosa emerged as one of UBC’s leaders on defense in 2013, establishing himself as the Thunderbirds starting safety. The physical, hard-hitting man in the middle of the Thunderbirds defense led UBC with 45.5 tackles in 2013 while also adding an interception.

Defensive back Nik Termansen is set for his third season with the Thunderbirds and is coming off a 2013 campaign in which he started at cornerback and had two interceptions, four pass break-ups, six passes defended, and 32 tackles. He will be looked upon to shutdown the top opposing receivers in 2014.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Defensive end Treymont Levy comes to UBC from the CJFL’s Langley Rams. Considered a late bloomer, Levy has the size and speed to be a difference maker at the CIS level. He will look to bolster an already impressive front four.

Defensive lineman Levi Hua (Abbotsford, BC) is fresh out of Abbotsford’s W.J. Mouat High School program. The 6’1, 285 linemen was impressive during this year’s spring game and hopes to continue his development as he makes the transition to CIS football.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

RETURNING:

Kicker/Punter Quinn van Gylswyk is a game changer on special teams. In his first year with UBC in 2013 he led the nation in punting with a 43.1-yard average, earning CIS First Team All-Canadian honours. He also was solid on field goals converting on 16 of his 22 opportunities.

Returner Alex Morrison proved to be a game breaker in 2013 setting a new Canada West record for kickoff return yards with 679 yards, including a 102-yard return for a touchdown. He also led the conference in punt returns with 424 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per return.

UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (UBC) THUNDERBIRDS (CWUAA – VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA):

2013 RECORD: 4-4, lost to Calgary Dinos in CWUAA semi-final 42-38

HEAD COACH: Shawn Olson (fifth season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: 9

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: 10

KEY RETURNEES: Brandon Deschamps (running back),  David Scott (receiver), Alex Pennell (offensive line),  Carson Williams (quarterback), Greg Bowcott (quarterback),  Donovan Dale (defensive line), Kareem Ba (defensive end), Yianni Cabylis (linebacker), Jordan Bosa (safety), Nik Termansen (defensive back), Quinn van Gylswyk (kicker/punter), Alex Morrison (special teams)

KEY LOSSES: Jas Dhillon (offensive line), Gord Randall (offensive line), Micha Theil (receiver), Martin Park (defensive line), Tom Harris (linebacker), Miguel Barker (defensive back)

NEW ADDITIONS: Marcus Davis (receiver – CFC 100), Terrell Davis (running back), Treymont Levy (defensive end), Levi Hua (defensive line)

(Source:  Dan Elliott, UBC Thunderbirds Sports Information)