CFL.ca Staff
SACKVILLE, N.B. — Quarterback Jake Hotchkiss looks to be the centerpiece in the Mounties’ resurgence into CIS play. In just his second season the 6’5” lefty guided a veteran team to its most victories since 1998 which included Mount Allison hosting a playoff game for the first time in 12 seasons. While providing a statistically dominating year in the AUS, Hotchkiss led the Mounties to their first victory over SMU in 22 tries.
During the 2010 season Hotchkiss led the AUS in Total Offense, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Efficiency, Completions and Completion Percentage. Hotchkiss posted two 300+ yard passing games in 2010 while throwing seven touchdowns. His completion percentage of 65% finished fourth in the CIS and was the highest single season effort in AUS play since before the 2002 season.
The biggest question in 2011 for Hotchkiss will be who is going to be the go-to receiver now that two-time All-Canadian receiver Gary Ross has graduated. Over his 14 CIS starts Hotchkiss has connected with Ross on 73 completions.
“We’ve got some great veteran receivers coming back. I think a lot of people forget that,” says the now third-year player from Lloydminster. “I feel the more balanced we are the better we’ll be. Ross was a great player but we have a really good returning group to go along with some talented rookies. Teams will now have to do a better job of covering the whole field and not just one guy.”
Mounties’ head coach Kelly Jeffrey continues to be impressed with the improvement and throwing ability shown by Hotchkiss.
“Jake is a very accurate passer and continued to get better every week during the 2010 season,” says Jeffrey. “He is developing into a strong leader within our program and as he continues to gain strength and experience, he is only going to get better. I just shake my head at some of the throws he has been able to make. Jake has that gift where the game slows down for him while others are just trying to keep up.”
The Mounties open the 2011 season on the road Friday September 9 at SMU.
-With files from Mount Allison Sports Information
