Heading into his 7th season York University head coach Warren Craney is optimistic about his team going for the 2016 campaign, after a 1-7 season in 2015. The Lions focused on recruiting this past cycle for their incoming class, and they brought in players with the hopes of improving this year immediately.
York University Lions Optimistic for 2016 Season
Rebuilding Depth a Defensive Priority
“We made some splashes on the defensive side and we brought in some young guys who are going to contribute early on this year, we really wanted to build up our defensive line depth,” said coach Craney.
The splash on recruiting defensive line is in reference to freshman Rossini Sandjong Djabome from the CEGEP Edouard-Montpetit and Jamain Rush from Terry, Mississippi. Both players appear to be adjusting to the University level in stride giving their offensive line teammates a handful by winning their fair share of battles in 12 on 12, blitz period and inside run sessions.
Craney is counting on his 2016 East-West Bowl attendee Nikita Starchenko to reach his full potential this fall. The Whitby, Ontario native occupies the team’s role as middle linebacker and will be counted on by Craney to lead the Lions defence. Starchenko had a total of 53 tackles last year including a 10 total tackle performance against Guelph where he recorded 2.5 tackles for loss in the Week 2 matchup.
Former Highly Decorated Player Leads as OC
York has had a reputation for a revolving door of coaches in previous years. Craney’s newest addition will be his attempt to buck that trend with a young proven football mind in the team’s new offensive coordinator, Kyle Quinlan. Craney hired Quinlan from Holland College where he served as the Hurricanes head coach and offensive coordinator for the team that went on to win the Moosehead Cup as Atlantic Football League Champions.
Before Holland College Quinlan enjoyed a spectacular playing career at McMaster University playing quarterback where he made two Vanier Cup appearances against the Laval Rouge et Or, wining one in 2011. He also won the 2012 Hec Crighton Trophy and the 2013 BLG Award as CIS Male Athlete of the Year.
The first year offensive coordinator commented on why he’s optimistic about this season.
“We had a really nice class come in last year, we’ve got some solid vets and good skilled position guys that came in this class as well.”
Sophmore QB to Lead the Offence
Quinlan’s offence will run through Sophomore quarterback Brett Hunchak. As a freshman Hunchak threw for 952 yards and two touchdowns. The new offensive coordinator had nothing but praise for his young passer during practice.
“He’s a technician, his technical skills are unbelievable. He’s polished and really level-headed. He’s got tons of potential the guys love him and he does all the little things right.”
Hunchak has a solid arm and makes quick decisions with little hesitation.The quarterback effectively evades defenders in the pocket with his feet before finding a hole in the defence and taking off on a run using his athleticism when receivers are tied up in coverage.
York will travel to Sherbrooke, Quebec to play an exhibition game against the Vert et Or August 20th before they open their season Sunday August 28th at home against the University of Waterloo Warriors. The Lions beat the Warriors in 2015, 23-14 on the road for the teams only victory of the season.
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