CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO -- Kyle Quinlan, a fifth-year quarterback from McMaster University, was named CIS football player of the year, on Thursday night.

The native of South Woodslee, Ont., became the fifth member of the Marauders program to claim the Hec Crighton Trophy since the inception of the award in 1967. He joins running back Jesse Lumsden (2004), quarterback Ben Chapdelaine (2001), running back Kojo Aidoo (2000) and Pivor Phil Scarfone (1984).

"I think Kyle may be the best CIS player ever. He is just such a big game player and always has been. The bigger the game, the better he plays," said McMaster head coach Stefan Ptaszek.

"He is also a great leader and that is just as important a part of him as his physical abilities. Athletes like Kyle Quinlan don't come along very often."

Acadia quarterback Kyle Graves, University of Montreal running back Rotrand Sené and Calgary quarterback Eric Dzwilewsky were also nominated for the award.

The economics student also led all CIS quarterbacks with seven rushing majors and tied for the CIS lead among signal callers with 550 yards on the ground. In the process, he set team records for most completions (162), passing yards and TD passes in a single campaign.

Other award winners announced during the Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards at Koerner Hall were Laval linebacker Frédéric Plesius, who captured the Presidents' Trophy as defensive player of the year, McMaster defensive end Ben D'Aguilar, who meridted the J.P. Metras Trophy as most outstanding down lineman; and McGill wide receiver Shaquile Johnson, who received the Peter Gorman Trophy as the nation's top rookie.