In a sign that the 2023 recruiting class was exceptional, Laval University’s Rouge et Or won all three awards given to recruits.
• Also read: Major RSEQ awards: Quarterback Jonathan Sénécal unsurprisingly wins the Jeff Russell Trophy, awarded to the MVP
Linebacker Justin Cloutier walked away with the most prestigious award. He won the Most Outstanding Rookie award. He is the first Rouge et Or player to receive the award since slotback Vincent Forbes-Mombleau in 2018 and the 11th in program history.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
In seven games, the Limoilou Titans product managed 28.5 tackles and one sack. “It’s flattering and I’m really happy, but a big thank you goes to the veterans who helped me a lot. It’s a group honor. After getting injured in the summer and missing training camp, I showed perseverance and stayed committed. When I came back I had found my place.”
As the season progresses, Cloutier becomes more involved in Marc Fortier’s defensive plans, even if he has not yet taken over the starting role.
Offensive and defensive rookie
Since 2014, the RSEQ has also honored the most deserving offensive and defensive recruits. Blocker Marc-Olivier Cabana and cornerback Jordan Lessard were selected.
The pair were dressed as reserves for the first game in Sherbrooke and used a combination of circumstances to start the second game of the season against the McGill Redbirds.
Cabana, who came from the Louisville Cardinals, filled in as a replacement for Jean-Antoine Dean-Rios, who was suspended one game for coming to the aid of quarterback Arnaud Desjardins.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“I thought I would make up some ground in my first season, but I was surprised to be a starter so quickly,” he said. My efforts in the off-season were rewarded. It was the best decision of my life to return to Quebec after three years in the United States. I couldn’t have made a better choice.”
As for Lessard, he took advantage of his friend Émil Barthélémy’s injury to quickly secure a starting spot. Author of four interceptions, an RSEQ record and five pass knockdowns, Lessard was the only rookie named to the All-Star teams.
“I am proud and can say that the mission has been accomplished,” he said. I always had confidence that I could do the job. This confidence, which makes the difference in my game, goes back to my years at John Abbott.
Against all odds, Lessard will be back in action for the Dunsmore Cup after suffering a shoulder injury in the semi-final. “It wasn’t pleasant when I got injured, but the most important thing is that I’m here. I’m looking forward to competing in my first Dunsmore Cup.”
Special forces
After saving the Rouge et Or’s season in the semifinals with a 45-yard field goal in overtime, Vincent Blanchard secured the title of special teams MVP. Created in 2014, the prize has been awarded four times to a Rouge et Or player.
“I had a lot to prove to myself and the team and I worked hard in the offseason,” he said. I built my confidence on my successes at the Mitchell Cup and Vanier Cup and continued my momentum this year. I am very happy. My first season in 2021 was difficult both on a personal level and on the field.
Blanchard averaged 94.7 percent on 17 of his 18 field goal attempts, the best in the country. He averaged 41.1 yards on his punts.
Blanchard believes he can continue to improve. “I have a good foundation,” he mused, “but I haven’t reached my full potential yet.”