Jordan deserves Hec Crighton Award consideration

Ethan Jordan from Chatham is a strong contender for the Hec Crighton Award, which recognizes the most outstanding player in U Sports football, following an impressive season as a receiver for the Laurier Golden Hawks.

In the recent Ontario Universities Association regular season finale, Jordan helped Laurier secure a decisive 60-13 victory over Western, despite playing through an injury, by recording seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown catch, ending both teams' undefeated streaks.

Statistically, Jordan ranks second in the country with 68 receptions and leads U Sports in reception yards (1,066), yards per game (133.3), and touchdowns (10), outperforming past Hec Crighton winners like Kevin Mital and Andy Fantuz in key metrics, and he is one of only three players in Canadian university football history with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

However, winning the award may be challenging as quarterbacks typically dominate, with only two receivers winning since 1996, and Jordan faces competition from teammates such as Laurier quarterback Cal Withers, who threw for 26 touchdowns and 2,472 yards, as well as Laval quarterback Arnaud Desjardins.

The Hec Crighton Award will be presented at the Vanier Cup all-Canadian awards banquet in November, highlighting the culmination of the season's achievements.