Photo courtesy of Louis Christ
Typically the linebacker position has been an important one for the Sun and have seen some talented players at that position over the last 35 years.
In 2016 depth shouldn’t be an issue as Main Camp will see nine players compete to win a roster spot behind five impact players.
The Defensive Player of the Canadian Bowl returns despite a number of options at the next level. Hull brings back his leadership and a wealth of knowledge at the position and will be a mentor for the new faces. Last season he compiled 14 stops, seven assists, 3.5 sacks and forced a fumble. In the Canadian Bowl he was simply outstanding blocking a kick, returning it for a touchdown, picked off a pass had two tackles and three assists.
Another outstanding linebacker with a high football IQ. The Mount Boucherie grad (pictured) led all defensive players in the Canadian Bowl with nine tackles and eight assisted stops. During the regular season he was tied for the team lead with 26 tackles, half a sack, blocked two kicks, had a pair of knockdowns and forced a fumble. He along with Hull will be relied upon to lead the linebackers in 2016.
Now entering his fourth year with the Sun this KSS grad is itching to become an every play player. He has been outstanding on special teams and will no doubt be given a long look at the linebacker spot during Main Camp.
Entering his third and final year with the Sun via Acadia University, Szybunka is poised to win his first starting role. The Salmon Arm native continues to impress the coaching staff in the weight room tipping the scales at 5’11 and 215 pounds with quick feet. He was on the Canadian Bowl roster last season.
An absolute stud from Regina, named the Regina High School Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season. He first committed to the Sun coming out of the University of Saskatchewan in 2014, however an injury has kept him on the sidelines in Kelowna. If healthy this year, he will make an immediate impact with a motor that has no off switch.
On the Sun roster last season but he didn’t see much field time as a second year player. Now entering his third season of junior football the Delta native is ready to make an impact. At 220 pounds the 20 year old will challenge for a roster spot at main camp.
With a blood line that runs through the Sun, Kazu is the second Sakata to wear the orange and brown following in his uncle Hiro’s footsteps in the early 2000s. Kazu is a Rutland Senior Secondary grad from japan and is expected to give the veterans all they can handle at main camp.
On a Sexsmith Sabres high school team in Alberta who finished as the top ranked team in the regular season in the Tier IV division at 7-2. Ripco was part of an outstanding defence that held Vermilion to 27 points in their Regional semi-final game. However in the Regional final the Sabres met heartbreak losing to the eventual Tier IV champions. Ripco is in Kelowna to make the Sun an even better team defensively.
In 2015 he was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player on his Rural Manitoba football team; Dauphin. However he along with the coaching staff believe the defensive side of the ball is where he can excel as a tremendous athlete.
Tag(s): Home
