CFL.ca Staff
ANTIGONISH, N.S. — Dylan Hollohan is heading into his fourth year with the StFX X-Men with high expectations despite coming off a 1-7 season which saw the X-Men miss the post-season for the first time since 2001.
When asked what he is most looking forward to this season, he is quick to respond.
“Playing for the AUS Championship on November 12th,” says Hollohan, a 5-foot-10 safety from Moncton, N.B. “We have a good group of returning players and Coach Waterman has put together a great recruiting class again. I’m excited for the 2011 season and to see what the new talent has to offer at training camp.”
Hollohan, who has played every position in StFX’s defensive secondary and is one of the conference’s most dangerous kick returners, will look to lead a defense that is losing arguably two of the best linebackers in the conference.
Reigning CIS defensive player of the year Henoc Muamba was selected first overall in the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and 2009 AUS defensive player of the year Tom Lynch has transferred to the University of Saskatchewan.
“Dylan is playing at a high level right now. We always knew he was a good athlete, but in 2008 we had a number of veteran guys in his position,” said Head Coach Gary Waterman. “In 2009 he took advantage of his opportunities and it paid off with a league-leading five interceptions and all-Canadian recognition.”
Dylan, a fourth-year engineering student, had a breakthrough year in 2009 where he led the Atlantic conference in interceptions, earning him CIS all-Canadian second-team status.
“Dylan is coming off another strong off-season and the biggest thing with Dylan is that he’s always around the football,” said Waterman. “He’s made plays in the past two years that guys playing his position don’t have in their careers. As a fourth year player, we’re looking forward to his leadership and big-play potential to anchor our defensive secondary in 2011.”
He was moved to free safety for the 2010 season and was recognized as an AUS all-star despite missing the final two games due to injury.
Hollohan has had a busy off-season, including an impressive appearance at the 2011 CIS East-West Bowl hosted by the University of Western Ontario, where he was named a team captain for the East squad.
“We expect Dylan to have a great 2011 season,” says StFX defensive coordinator Jon Svec. “He has matured as a player and worked himself into great shape. He now knows our defense cold and should be able to play fast and make a lot of big plays.”
“I definitely feel that Dylan has CFL potential. He performed well at the East West Bowl and turned a lot of heads,” added Svec. “Dylan can, and has, played every position in the secondary, as well as a lot of special teams. That versatility should be attractive to CFL teams.”
The X-Men will host the Mount Allison Mounties in an exhibition contest on September 3rd before kicking off the regular season campaign September 10th at home versus the Acadia Axemen.
Did You Know: Dylan’s favourite NFL team is the San Francisco 49ers….his favourite current NFL player is Patrick Willis…his favourite food is steak or poutine…the person who has influenced his life is his mother who has raised him and brother Cody by herself while working several jobs, putting herself through school and helping her sons participate in competitive sports.
-With files from St. FX Sports Information
