Concordia Stinger slotback Vince Alessandrini was named the RSEQ Offensive Rookie of the Year at a press conference held in Montreal on Friday morning.
Alessandrini led the Quebec league with 52 receptions in eight games. He also rolled up 554 yards of offence and scored one touchdown.
“I think out of all our players he was the most electrifying,” said Concordia Stinger head coach Mickey Donovan. “He made a lot of catches and made a lot of plays after the catches. He’s a rookie who came in and made things happen like a fourth- or fifth-year player. There’s going to be a lot more exciting times ahead for him.”
The freshman out of Vanier College ranked fifth in the CIS national statistics for receptions. He was the top rookie receiver in the country.
“You have to remember he did this in the RSEQ conference and that’s not easy,” said Concordia offensive co-ordinator Matt Connell. “He’s a player who has a lot of natural ability and he’s mentally tough. He plays receiver with a linebacker mentality. He’s got a good work ethic. He demands the ball and we know we have to get it to him.”
The Laval, Que. native carved out a place in the Concordia football record book. In 2015 veteran receiver Daniel Skube caught 60 passes to set the Stinger record for receptions. Alessandrini sits in second place for most catches in a season. He is tied with Cory Watson, now with the Edmonton Eskimos, who hauled in 52 passes in 2009.
“He’s our most clutch player on offence,” Connell said. “He made a lot of big plays when we needed him. He was someone we could count on, and not just for receiving. He can block and even run the ball.”
Alessandrini continued his strong play in the RSEQ semifinal game last Saturday. He caught another six passes for 62 yards.
This is the second consecutive year a Concordia receiver has won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In 2015 wide receiver Yanic Lessard received the honour.
