McMaster, Laval and Calgary hold top 3 spots in the 2012 pre-season top 10. Guillaume Rioux, Kyle Quinlan and Steven Lumbala are pictured with the ball. Photo: Jean Nadeau, Keith Johnston
Here we go for another round of CISfball TOP 10s. It’s hard to judge a team prior to any game being played. Therefore, this pre-season Top 10 is based on previous year achievements, returning players and general momentum.
Agree with my rankings? Who owns top spot in yours?
1- McMaster
Defending Vanier Cup champions deserve to be first on the board with the return of All-Canadian WR Mike Dicroce and HEC Creighton favourite, QB Kyle Quinlan.
2- Laval
With more than 10 new starters on both sides of the ball, the 2011 Vanier Cup runner-ups will have a brand look in 2012. Thanks to A+ recruiting from coach Constantin and the return of 2 times linemen of the year Arnaud Gascon-Nadon and All Conference LB Fredo Plesius Laval is, once again, the team to beat in the Q.
3- Calgary
Third year QB Eric Dzwilewski and All Canadian RB Steven Lumbala lead a Dinos offense that should be a force once again. Coach Blake Nill brings in a solid defensive unit led by one of the nations top D-linemen, Linden Gaydosh.
4- Montréal
Led by a healthy All Conference RB Rotrand Sené and a defensive front 7 that might be one of the best in the country, the Carabins are solid contenders; if they can get past all time nemesis Laval.
5- Sherbrooke
Second year pivot Jérémi Roch has what it takes to be one of the elite QBs in the CIS but will have to overcome the loss of two-time HEC Creighton nominee Charbonneau-Campeau to the CFL. The 2012 defense might just be the best the team has ever had.
READ: 2012 RSEQ teams preview
6- UBC
Even with their six 2011 wins vacated, the T-Birds have shown they have what it takes to compete with the best. HEC Creighton winner Billy Greene enters his 5th year; look for him to be a force once again.
7- Acadia
Thanks to a 2 week training camp experience with the Alouettes, QB Kyle Graves comes into the season with positive momentum and should lead his team to another great season atop the AUS.
8- Queens
After a satisfying 2011 season, the Gaels look to keep building under very promising QB Billy McPhee. Head Coach Pat Sheehan has his team where he wants.
9- Western
The loss of all star RBs Nathan Riva to the CFL and Tyler Varga to the NCAA leaves a big hole in the Donnie Marshall led offense.
10-Concordia
President’s trophy winner LB Max Caron will lead a very sound defensive unit in 2012. Look for a breakout season from 3rd year WR Kris Bastien in the Coach McGrath offense.
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