Jonathan Sénécal is one of the most beautiful hopes in the history of Quebec football. Considered a gem or a prodigy, the Université de Montréal Carabins quarterback has big ambitions for his second season in the university ranks. A return to normal that could open all doors for him.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
The 22-year-old is the kind of player you only see once in a generation. Since high school, the Mirabellois has been destined for a bright future. His arm is unbelievably powerful and precise, his game intelligence is dangerously above average, and his potential is gigantic.
“Clearly, we have a special player on our hands and we expect great things from Jonathan,” said Les Bleus head coach Marco Iadeluca.
PHOTO PASCAL RATTHÉ, LE SOLEIL ARCHIVES
Marco Iadeluca and Jonathan Sénécal in the Dunsmore Cup final last season
However, recent seasons have been frustrating for Sénécal. After setting several marks and offering the Bol d’Or to the André-Grasset College Phénix, he was preparing to rewrite the record books during the 2019 season. However, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the first his own game. He then decided to join the ranks of the University of Connecticut Huskies in the NCAA, but complications from COVID-19 ended his hopes of playing in the United States. Last year, with the Carabins, still in a pandemic context, he only played six of eight games, but was brilliant in the playoffs.
Sénécal will start the next season with a knife between his teeth to show that the hopes placed in him in recent years were correct.
“I’m really excited for the season,” he explained in a CEPSUM room on Monday.
Sénécal went into overdrive during the offseason to appear stronger and more solid. He trained like a madman to gain mass and he arrives at the Carabins camp with 10 extra pounds. “Last year, I found that I was a bit light, I found it more difficult when I took hits. He also focused on improving his speed and studying the game by watching videos. He feels he had points to work on, like his reading in the cover.
An important role
A finance student at HEC Montréal, Sénécal is also aware that his role is critical in the organization chart of a football team. He now has a season behind the tie and the Montreal team will count on several recruits. It is obvious that he has an important responsibility given his experience, but he also counts on the other veterans to support him.
I think I have the same role as last year: that of leading my team in attack. Of course there are new ones, but I think the veterans are going to be able to pick them up and push them in the right direction.
Jonathan Sénécal, Carabins quarterback
In six games last year, Sénécal accumulated 1,530 passing yards, in addition to throwing 9 touchdown passes and maintaining an average of 255 aerial yards per game.
“Jo has an incredible work ethic. He’s a super humble guy, even though he’s probably one of the best quarterbacks in Canadian football history. We say that and he hasn’t even started his second year yet. He brings something very positive to our team,” said defensive back Bruno Lagacé, who also played with Sénécal at Collège André-Grasset.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Jonathan Sénécal during the Coute Uteck match last season
His leadership qualities are undeniable, according to Lagacé. He leads by example and even if the number 12 is not the most talkative, each of his interventions in the locker room is relevant.
His calm is also one of his great qualities. Marc-Antoine Houde, a veteran offensive lineman, has blind faith in his quarterback, mainly because he believes in him and his abilities.
For the attack in general, it brings confidence. From the caucus, when Jonathan tells us the game, we leave and we know what we have to do. Of course, it’s also motivating.
Marc-Antoine Houde, offensive lineman
Having a gifted man like Sénécal in his ranks certainly adds additional pressure to the rest of the team. First, because each teammate wants to play up to his talent and protect it. Then, because everyone wants to frame it well.
Nevertheless, it is a formidable challenge for Iadeluca. “I don’t know if it adds pressure, but I’ll take it anytime,” he laughed. You always want to work with the best talent possible. »
This will be the case this season with Jonathan Sénécal, even if the latter refuses to project himself. The most important thing for him is always the next game.