A new season of University of Regina Rams football begins tonight, and there will be a new a starting quarterback for the Rams.
Noah Pelletier will be the quarterback as the Rams begin their season in Winnipeg as they face off with the University of Manitoba Bisons.
Pelletier takes over for Josh Donnelly, who will be sidelined following a bout with concussions that has put Donnelly’s playing future in question. Pelletier says Donnelly has provided a lot guidance.
“Josh has been really good about it, he’s been me pretty much everyday, meetings together, throwing, going over film, going to the whiteboard, he’s really engaged it and has gotten me ready for it.”
Pelletier adds that Donnelly has been an extra coach for himself over the last few months.
“He’s already an amazing coach and I definetly see him coaching in the future. ”
While the first year quarterback may be lacking experience, he feels that he has a strong support system around him with several receivers that he can throw the ball to.
“I feel like we have three of the top starting receivers in our lineup, I’m super excited to spread the ball around, I know they are all great route runners and as long as I can get the ball into their hands I know they can make the plays. ”
The Rams will be led at running back by Kyle Borsa who was cut by the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers earlier this year. Pelletier says he wasn’t sure if the running back would be back wearing green and gold this season.
“I know he has the talent to be in the CFL so I was kind of expecting last year to be his final year but having him back is awesome, he’s always there to help me, he’s always a big play guy when you need him.”
As he get set for his start as the Rams QB, Pelletier believes he’s not a loud guy, but when he speaks, he feels that he’s effective in reaching to his teammates.
He adds that picking up the oppossing defences is a strength for him.
“Always picked up on the playbook pretty fast, it’s been a benefit to my game.”
While it would be ideal for Pelletier to start the season off in Regina, he says that there are advantages for starting the season on the road.
“I guess it takes a little pressure off me being on the road, for the first game, so it’s going to be a good experience. ”
After spending his entire youth football career in Regina, the hometown product is looking to forward to moving up to the colliegate level.
“I remember when I was playing in RMF (Regina Minor Football), playing in high school, making it out to a couple of Rams games, that was always my dream to be able to play for them one day, the opportunity has finally come and it’s super awesome.”
Tonight’s season opener of the University of Regina Rams against the University of Manitoba Bisons can be heard on 620 CKRM with Daniella Ponticelli. The opening kickoff is 6:00, with the pregame show at 5:45.
