GUELPH, Ont. - Change is inevitable for any football program. The Guelph Gryphons enter the 2018 season opener versus the McMaster Marauders (Sunday, Aug. 26, 3pm in Hamilton) prepared to embrace it, with the latest edition of the team featuring several new faces on the field and coaches in different roles. Todd Galloway, a member of the program since 2011 as both a coordinator and director of recruiting, takes over the reins as interim head coach with the intent of keeping a six-year playoff appearance streak intact. Galloway will have several weapons at his disposal on both sides of the ball. That will undoubtedly cushion the loss of a few former stars moving on to play in the Canadian Football League.

"We have guys developing in the program and players that we've brought in this year who are going to help fill that void," said Galloway. "They've put their work in, put their time in, and it's their opportunity to show they're ready to play."

It's a testament to the program's success in grooming talent that 12 current CFL players and three coaches spent their university careers in the red, black, and gold. Guelph remains a desirable destination for the best football players in the country and with the cupboards replenished, the 2018 Gryphons are poised to contend again in the competitive Ontario University Athletics conference.
 

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OFFENCE: The Gryphons have had a stable and often dynamic offence for several years and that will continue in 2018. The most obvious personnel change comes at the quarterback position where fourth-year Maple Ridge, BC native Theo Landers takes over for the graduated star James Roberts. Landers, an intelligent and athletic signal caller, got a taste of regular-season action last year filling in for an injured Roberts and he proved he's ready to be the man after a sensational performance in this year's Valero East West Bowl, where he led all players in both passing and rushing. Landers will work behind a rock-solid offensive line that may have lost All-Canadian Andrew Pickett to the CFL but does return four other regulars, including fellow East West Bowl attendee Eric Starczala.

Guelph has produced its share of stars at the wide receiver position but Galloway considers the current corps arguably the most deep and talented group he's seen in his time here. Kade Belyk and Zeph Fraser, a former Laurier player, will be key targets offering both reliability and big-play potential.

The Gryphons have traditionally employed a three-headed monster at the running back position in recent years, with standout Johnny Augustine carrying the load. Number 27 has also moved on to the CFL but Guelph's backfield remains in good shape, thanks to third-year backs Jamal Hooker and Patrick Pierre. Hooker is the shiftier runner, while Pierre provides burst and power. Daniel Palmer-Salmon also returns to the program after a year off, giving second-year offensive coordinator Jean-Francois Joncas another useful option.
 

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DEFENCE: Losing superior talents like Nick Parisotto, Royce Metchie, Derek Drouillard, Orion Edwards, and Michael Carney would cause concern for any defensive coordinator. But Adam Grandy can rest easy knowing that linebacker Luke Korol is back for a fifth year.

The Lynden, ON native was one of the most dynamic defensive players in the OUA last season, finishing third in the conference with 8.3 tackles per game, while also adding 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Korol and his unit will support a gifted defensive line that is a true Gryphon strength. Gatineau, QC product Alain Cimankinda wreaked havoc on quarterbacks in his first OUA season in 2017, registering six sacks. He'll get some pass rush help from new Gryphon Carter Wilson, a transfer from North Dakota. Opposing offences are going to find it difficult to run the ball against a stout front four.

Guelph's secondary is the most affected unit when it comes to graduation and players moving on to the next level. But there will be plenty of opportunity for younger Gryphons like Akeem Knowles and Dotun Aketepe to make the necessary plays. Galloway is confident the new corps can eventually develop into the same kind of reliable group that was so critical to Guelph's success in recent years.
 

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SPECIAL TEAMS: The Gryphons have an advantage over just about any other team in the OUA – as soon as they cross mid field, they know they have a weapon that is money. All-Canadian kicker Gabe Ferraro returns for a fifth and final year after establishing a new U SPORTS single-season record with 33 field goals, including a perfect 7-for-7 in the last game of the regular season against the Carleton Ravens. The Mississauga, ON native, who was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the spring, gives the Gryphons incredible stability with his strong leg and pinpoint accuracy. Ferraro is also one of the best directional punters in the country, which will help alleviate pressure when the Guelph offence is backed up.
 

Fourth-year Guelph, ON native Job Reinhart returns as a multi-dimensional player, who dominates at both the the rush/cover and linebacker positions. Reinhart, an OUA All-star in 2016, is also a member of the Gryphon wrestling team and showed his athleticism by taking the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the conference championships despite limited experience in the sport.

The Gryphons seemed to have unearthed a gem last season in rookie returner Ryan Isenor. The speedster took U SPORTS Special Teams Player of the Week honours after posting 268 all-purpose yards, including a 125-yard touchdown return after a missed field goal in an 81-10 win over Windsor.
 

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Tickets are now available online for the Gryphons' home opener on Labour Day Monday versus York. 

Guelph Gryphons 2018 Schedule

Gryphons Roster