KINGSTON, Ont. - U SPORTS have announced the All-Canadians for the 2023 football season, and four Golden Hawks have been selected following the program's most successful season since 2017.
"We are thrilled to have four very deserving All-Canadians this year. What's impressive is that every single one of them was more focused and concerned with us having team success. In doing so, they themselves had terrific seasons and we are happy they are being recognized for this," said manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds.
"These All-Canadian awards are voted by other team's head coaches, so to be recognized and have their respect is special."
Ife Onyemenam headlines the quartet as a first team All-Canadian selection. The fifth-year linebacker ranked 26th in the nation with 36.5 total regular season tackles, including five tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. He also recorded three interceptions, tied for the sixth-most in U SPORTS.
"When Ife came back from the Toronto Argonauts camp, we knew we were getting a very motivated player. Throughout the season, in every game, he made big plays all over the field. We are so happy for Ife and excited to watch him at the next level."
Onyemenam was recently re-signed by the Argonauts and will likely make his CFL debut in 2024, making this his first and only U SPORTS All-Canadian selection.
Joining him on the first team is third-year receiver Ethan Jordan. Jordan led all U SPORTS receivers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (749), while his five touchdowns tie him for sixth. It's the second straight season Jordan has been a first team All-Canadian
Right behind him was teammate Raidan Thorne, who ranked tied for third in receptions (51), fourth in receiving yards (663), and 20th in touchdowns (three). He earns his first ever All-Canadian selection with a second team nod.
Finally, quarterback Taylor Elgersma adds one more title to a season filled with accolades, as he joins Thorne as a second team All-Canadian for the first time in his career.
The 2023 OUA MVP and Hec Crighton nominee led U SPORTS in passing yards (2,641), completions (206), and completion percentage (75.2%). He also finished second with 18 passing touchdowns and second among quarterbacks with six rushing majors.
"Having a quarterback and his two main targets all become All-Canadians in the same year is incredible. Taylor is the best leader I've been around and had one of the more impressive quarterback seasons in recent memory," said Faulds.
"EJ & Raidan made Taylor's job much easier by getting open so frequently. Their hands, route running ability, and knack for gaining optimal yards after catch make them a very special duo."
The 2023 U SPORTS season will conclude on Saturday when the UBC Thunderbirds take on the Montreal Carabins in the Vanier Cup.
