Concordia Stinger middle linebacker Patrick Donovan has been named the outstanding defensive player in the Quebec University Football League (QUFL). He will be among four finalists for the President's Trophy presented annually to the outstanding university football player in Canada during Vanier Cup festivities in Hamilton in December.
In seven games, Donovan, a fourth-year Leisure Sciences student, collected 58 total tackles to lead the QUFL in tackling. His 48 solos tackles and 20 assists ranks him third in the CIS. He also collected three sacks and an interception.
The native of Laconia, N.H. is one of hardest working athletes to ever wear the burgundy and gold. He spends hours in the weight room where it’s common for him to do more than 25 reps on the bench press. He recently committed himself to doing Yoga on a regular basis as well. A leader on and off the field, he pushes many of his teammates into making a bigger commitment to training. In 2003, he won one of Concordia’s most coveted awards. He was named the fittest male athlete at the year-end athletic banquet.
"He’s a tremendous athlete,” says Concordia head coach Gerry McGrath. “He has a great aptitude for the position. Physically and mentally he’s a born middle linebacker.”
In 26 years of conference play, Donovan is the eighth Stinger nomination for President’s Trophy. The elite linebackers include: Ross Reeves (1982), CFLer Greg Miller (’85), Luc Pelland (’94), Dwayne Bromfield (’98), Jason Casey (’99) and Mickey Donovan (2003 and ’04). Mickey is Patrick’s older brother and the first Concordia player to win the prestigious award. He accepted the honor last November at the Vanier Cup all-Canadian dinner.
“Pat is in the same mold as Mickey,” says Concordia defensive co-ordinator Warren Craney. “He’s athletic, strong, passionate. What best categorizes him is his physical play. Mickey is more finesse, while Pat wants to knock your lights out and has the skills to do it.”
Mickey signed a free agent contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL last summer. He suffered a season-ending injury in an exhibition game but remains in Hamilton with the team doing rehabilitation and studying film. Patrick hopes to follow his brother to the CFL.
“Mickey broke the ice as far as CFL teams considering American linebackers,” says McGrath. “We’re hoping it will be easier for Pat. I’m sure someone will look at him. Pat’s all over the field and probably a little bit better in pass coverage than Mickey.”
