FB: Canada West announces all-star selections

Back on top of the Canada West regular season standings for the first time since 1999, the UBC Thunderbirds were well represented as the conference unveiled its 2023 football all-star selections on Monday morning.

The T-Birds featured 14 selections between the offensive, defensive and special teams all-star rosters, including an unanimous pick in offensive lineman Theo Benedet. UBC quarterback Garrett Rooker was named to the offensive all-star team, a well deserved accolade after he led the conference in passing with 283.3 yards per game and 16 touchdowns.

Alberta and Saskatchewan each had six all-stars named. The Golden Bears had two unanimous selections to the offensive team in centre Daniel Shin and running back Matthew Peterson, whilethe Huskies had two unanimous selections on the defensive side, including linebacker Nick Wiebe and defensive end George Idoko.

Manitoba and Calgary each had a pair of players named, while Regina punter Aldo Galvan was the lone Rams all-star.

The Canada West football season will come to a thrilling conclusion next Saturday afternoon as UBC prepares to host Alberta in the 86th Hardy Cup. UBC used a second half comeback to overcome Manitoba in the first semifinal while Alberta used its explosive offensive attack to down Saskatchewan 40-17 in the other semi.

The Hardy Cup can be seen on SaskTel and Canada West TV.

Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. PST.

The conference will announce its major award winners on Thursday.

2023 CW Offensive All-Stars

• Centre
  • Daniel Shin, Alberta
• Guards
  • Giordano Vaccaro, Manitoba
  • Matthew Ljuden, Alberta
• Tackles
  • Theo Benedet, UBC
  • Giovanni Manu, UBC
• Receivers
  • AK Gassama, Manitoba
  • Daniel Perry, Saskatchewan
  • Sam Davenport, UBC
  • Shemar McBean, UBC
  • Gob Deng, Calgary
• Running Backs
  • Isaiah Knight, UBC
  • Matthew Peterson, Alberta
• Quarterback
  • Garrett Rooker, UBC
• FB/TE/H-Back
  • Lucas Robertson, UBC

2023 CW Defensive All-Stars

• Linebackers
  • Nick Wiebe, Saskatchewan
  • Ryan Baker, UBC
• SAM
  • Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown, UBC
• Interior Linemen
  • Kyle Samson, UBC
  • Nathan Jule, Saskatchewan
• Ends
  • George Idoko, Saskatchewan
  • Kwadwo Boahen, Alberta
• Cornerbacks
  • Katley Joseph, Saskatchewan
  • Jerrell Cummings, UBC
• Halfbacks
  • Jacob Biggs, Calgary
  • Nixen Voll, Saskatchewan
  • Tyson Blackburn, Alberta
• Safety
  • Jonathan Giustini, Alberta

2023 CW Special Teams All-Stars

• Punter
  • Aldo Galvan, Regina
• Place-Kicker
  • Kieran Flannery-Fleck, UBC
• Kick Returner
  • Shemar McBean, UBC
• Rush/Cover
  • Skyler Griffith, UBC

FOOTBALL ALL STARS BY TEAM

School / Offensive All Stars / Defensive All Stars / Special Teams All Stars = TOTAL

• UBC Thunderbirds: 7 / 4 / 3 = 14
• Alberta Golden Bears: 3 / 3 / 0 = 6
• Saskatchewan Huskies: 1 / 5 / 0 = 6
• Manitoba Bisons: 2 / 0 / 0 = 2
• Calgary Dinos: 1 / 1 / 0 = 2
• Regina Rams: 0 / 0 / 1 = 1