For the first time since 2003, the Concordia Stingers have an all-star running back. Third-year standout Jean-Guy Rimpel, the leading rusher in the RSEQ, was one of four Stingers named to the conference all-star team announced this morning.
Jean-Michel Paquette, an immensely popular and accomplished athlete, was the last Concordia back to make the honour roll, earning the award 14 years ago. After graduating Paquette took on coaching duties at various Quebec schools, including Collège Édouard-Montpetit where he mentored Rimpel.
A unanimous choice for the 2017 all-star team, Rimpel carried the ball 130 times for 708 yards and six touchdowns in seven games.
With his exceptional performance, Rimpel rewrote the school record book. With 708 yards rushing he bettered the previous record of 694 yards set in 2006 by Andrew Hamilton.
He also set the record for most carries in a season with 130, edging out Ed Shirley who carried the ball 120 times in 1984.
Also from the offensive side of the ball, tackle Maurice Simba earns his first all-star honour. The six-foot-eight, 325-pound lineman has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and leadership in his three years with the Stingers.
Originally from Congo, Simba makes his home in Laval, Que. He started playing football at Collège Montmorency. Despite having only a few years of experience, he’s been outstanding at the university level and has attracted the attention of many CFL scouts. His draft year is 2019.
Senior linebacker Mickael Côté, a versatile athlete who has also played defensive end during his career, receives his first all-star honour. With 40 solo tackles and 21 assists for 50.5 total tackles, he led the RSEQ with an average of 7.2 a game. Those numbers ranked the St. Hilaire, Que. native sixth in the U SPORTS totals.
Another Édouard-Montpetit graduate, Côté has also generated interest from the CFL. His draft year is 2018.
Finally, rookie cornerback Khadeem Pierre was an unanimous selection to the all-star team in first university campaign. He played seven games picking up 17 solos and four assists for a total of 19 tackles. He hauled in three interceptions, which ranks his second in the RSEQ. He also had one batted ball and a forced fumble.
The Ottawa native comes to Concordia from the perennial powerhouse Champlain Cougars.
