Source: Wilson Wong, UBC Sports Info / Photo credit Rich Lam
Name: Donovan Dale
University: UBC Thunderbirds
Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Junior (CJFL): Saskatoon Hilltops
Position: Defensive Line
Academic program: Kinesiology
Year of eligibility: 3rd
Height: 6-1
Weight: 275
Key stats 2013: 37 tackles, 5 sacks, and 7.5
tackles for a loss
Awards & honours (since start of CIS career):
2013 CIS First Team All-Canadian, 2013 Canada West First Team
All-Star, 2013 J.P. Metras Award nominee (Canada West)
Donovan Dale made an immediate impact in his first season of CIS football in 2013. He led the Thunderbirds in quarterback sacks (5) and tackles for a loss (7.5) as well as chipping in with 37 tackles as the disruptive force in the middle of UBC’s front four.
Look for him to see some added attention in 2014 from opposing offensive lines as the Thunderbirds strive to become the top defensive unit in the conference.
“Donovan is exceptionally hard working, very strong and has unusual quickness and short area explosion,” said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. “Physically he is a bit of specimen, but probably the thing that sets Donovan apart is his desire and intelligence. He is a tactician on the field and is relentless in his approach. Those traits along with his daily approach and his toughness have impacted our team since he stepped foot on campus. I know that regardless of stats he is a playmaking force in the middle of our defence.”