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Patchell Moves to CIS

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 01/12/16, 12:00AM PST

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Sun grad Kyle Patchell will play for the Manitoba Bisons

Photo courtesy of Greystoke Photography

One of the best slotbacks in Sun history will continue his football career at the CIS level.

Kyle Patchell will leave home for the first time and play for the University of Manitoba Bisons beginning next season.  There he will rejoin quarterback Theo Deezer who played in Kelowna during the 2013 season.

The 2015 season was Patchell’s best in his five year Sun career.  He made 47 receptions during the regular season and collected 697 yards and scored five touchdowns.  In the playoffs, Patchell was simply outstanding.  Against the Kamloops Broncos in the semi-final he made 11 receptions for 176 yards and had three touchdowns.  Then in the BCFC title game he caught four more passes for 69 yards and score.

In the biggest game of his junior career, Patchell caught nine balls for 110 yards and scored a touchdown on a 17 yards crossing pattern in the 2015 Canadian Bowl.

Patchell is excited about this next step, "There's been a longstanding connection with Manitoba and the Okanagan Sun. I have played with tons of guys from Manitoba over my career with the Sun. I also know quite a few guys that have gone on to play for the Bisons after playing for the Sun, including quarterback Theo Deezar. So that was definitely a factor in my decision."

Bison Football head coach Brian Dobie, understands the importance of this addition. "The Bisons have always had great success with junior receivers, with Dustin Pedersen and Andrew Smith as two recent examples. We expect that Kyle will continue that legacy."

Bison receiver coach Blair Atkinson found himself focusing on Kyle's specific skillset. "Kyle will add a veteran presence to our core of young receivers. He is a polished receiver who can find the hole across the middle and make tough contested catches."

Bison recruiting coordinator Chris Clement commented on the natural fit, and how Patchell addresses a specific need for the Bisons. "Although we have excellent talent at receiver, our group as a whole is very young, and with the loss of three veteran starters it was very important to add a leadership presence. I hope to see Kyle bring that leadership both on and off the field."

Patchell becomes the first ex-Sun receiver to join the Bisons since Zach Regert and Dan Turek in 2014.