Tuesday, August 16, 2022. 07:00
MONTREAL – Recognized as a city of shows and events, Montreal will add to its sporting essentials thanks to the university football scene and its high-level attraction, quarterback Jonathan Sénécal.
We’re having fun describing it that way, because we shouldn’t put any additional pressure on the 22-year-old athlete.
That said, considering how Sénécal distinguished himself in his rookie season with the Carabins, he could impress in his second campaign. Sports fans are lucky to be able to admire his talent, as he has reconsidered his initial plans which were to play his college football on American soil (at the University of Connecticut).
Humble and reserved, Sénécal does not want to get into throwing even though he has averaged nearly 300 aerial yards in his five full games. His trainer, and great accomplice, Marco Iadeluca, also expresses himself with great caution.
“Normally, the second year is the one during which you see the biggest improvement for a university player. Jo had a great off-season and he is in a position of trust with me and Gabriel (Cousineau, his offensive assistant). We want him to continue to progress like the others, no more, no less. We just want him to do his job, ”explained Iadeluca who succeeded Danny Maciocia.
Nevertheless, his team is betting on an offensive gem.
“It’s clear that we have a special player on our hands and we expect great things from him. But, at the same time, that’s where you can get into trouble, when you try to do too much, ”identified the head coach when he was revived.
While some believe it adds pressure on a coach’s shoulders to develop such talent, Iadeluca has disarmed that perception.
“I don’t know, but I’ll take it anytime with pleasure!” he laughed. You always want to work with the best talent possible in any position. »
Rourke inspires Sénécal to imitate him
Obviously, where it can become pressure is in relation to the level he will reach. But, since there is a magnificent history taking shape in the CFL this season, let’s take a positive look at everything.
Sénécal’s face lights up when we talk about the course of Nathan Rourke who wows the gallery, and more, at the controls of the attack of the BC Lions.
“I watched his comeback this week against the Stampeders. I see that he is playing well, he is a Canadian and he is capable of having good performances. I would like to be able to do that later, ”said the number 12 of the Blues who added ten pounds of muscle to his frame.
Sénécal holds the assets to show that Rourke is not only an exception to this perception that Canadian quarterbacks cannot impose themselves in the CFL.
“Before, it was really not something normal. With him, it proves that Canadian quarterbacks can play at the same level and even be better than the Americans,” he noted.
“When I was younger, the CFL, I didn’t really see it as attainable. It makes me want to give myself more, to push more for this goal, ”added the right-hander with the powerful arm.
The funniest part of this story is when you ask Sénécal about his draft year.
“I don’t know…”, he sighs with a small smirk which shows that he is indeed concentrating on the present.
The canceled COVID-19 season has gotten a lot of people mixed up on this. But, good news for the Carabins, because the CFL confirmed at the RDS.ca that it is 2025 which should allow him to play, at least, for them in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Let’s think even further.
“It’s fun for all the young quarterbacks in Canada. Some start at six years old. Before, they thought that if they wanted to play in the CFL, they would have to change position. It’s exciting for everyone in Canadian football and even more so for young people like Jonathan who have aspirations. It helps break the beliefs that guys can’t play,” Iadeluca summed up.
His talent is high to the point that it is not impossible that he mistreats the opposition in 2022 and 2023. So, would it be appropriate for him to remain on the university circuit in 2024?
“In his last year of college, he suffered a big injury and he didn’t play. Then there was the canceled COVID year. Last season, he only played five regular games and two in the playoffs. He doesn’t even have a real full season in the body, he’s still a very young quarterback. I definitely think his third year will be very beneficial for him. Could he leave later? It’s hard to predict. But the repechage comes in the fourth year, we will not complain about it, we will keep it, ”commented Iadeluca.
Opposite of a swollen head
So that the ascent of Sénécal keeps the same tangent, it will be necessary to protect it well. In this regard, the Carabins offensive line is going through a period of rejuvenation, which will be a challenge to manage.
“With Jonathan, it adds a small amount of challenge or pressure, but we take the opportunity to work harder,” admitted Marc-Antoine Houde, who is coming back from a horrible injury to his right ankle.
But that doesn’t worry defensive back Bruno Lagacé, who knows Sénécal well, having also been his teammate at college level with André-Grasset.
“Those who are stressed look at Jo and they see that he is calm, he is reassuring. He brings calm and confidence to our team. When he embarks on the field, his legs do not tremble, ”imaged Lagacé.
“When you play with him, there is something special,” he agreed without being able to contradict him.
For a sports team, it is a privilege to count on a talent of this dimension. It is even more so when the athlete does not swell his head.
“He’s super humble. You can meet him in the street (he’s a fan of electric scooters) and you’ll never think he’s a star. Still, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in Canadian football history,” Lagacé said.
“We say that and his second year of university has not yet started. Both the player and the human being bring positive things to our team,” concluded Lagacé, realizing that it is big, but true and widespread as an affirmation.