Despite being less in the spotlight, Nicky Farinaccio is enjoying his new role in the Université de Montréal Carabins’ strong defensive unit.
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The Blues’ inside linebacker, named the nation’s best defensive player last year largely because of his 10.5 sacks, doesn’t have as impressive stats as he did in 2022 when he played on the outside, but remains an integral part of the team Defense puzzle.
“Statistically it’s not comparable, but I’m having a very good season,” he said. I take blocks and play more in the shade, but that makes me happy. Who wouldn’t be happy about a 6-0? There is a lot more action in my new job and I like that. I’ve never seen a group of linebackers with this much depth. We have the best group in the country.
Harold Miessan, who replaced Farinaccio at outside linebacker, is having an outstanding season. With the departure of Michael Brodrique to the CFL, the Carabins were looking for an inside linebacker.
“Back in his slippers”
Marco Iadeluca confirms that the André-Grasset Phénix product is having an excellent season, even if its numbers are declining. “His stats were more spectacular last year because he put a lot of pressure on the quarterback,” explained the head coach, “but his game has evolved.” It was a very good decision for the team and for him, as they are at the next level will take place as an inside linebacker. Nicky is a big part of our defense.”
“He played indoors in Grasset and is back in his slippers,” Iadeluca added. I wasn’t afraid of his reaction.
Farinaccio will be eligible for the next CFL draft, but he has not yet decided whether he will extend his eligibility through 2025 to play another season in the college ranks.
Soil problems
In a 36:14 loss to the Carabins last Friday, the McGill Redbirds still celebrated success with a 171-yard run. Brandon Ciccarello rushed for 118 yards. “We fought through assignment errors at times and the concentration will be better against Laval,” Farinaccio said. I imagine McGill’s success on the ground may give Laval some ideas, but I’m not worried if they want to attack us that way.
Farinaccio believes that the members of the Carabins’ defense unit were too greedy against McGill. “We have so many good players that it makes no sense to try too hard,” he explained. It’s tempting to want to make big plays, but we don’t have to play like that if we want to be the best defense in the country. Each of us has to do our job and nothing more.”