CIS Football Player Profile: Andrew Gillis, Toronto Varsity Blues (22 of 26)

Source: Jill Clark, Toronto Sports Info

Name: Andrew Gillis
University: University of Toronto
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
High school / Cegep: Markham District High School
Position: Quarterback
Academic program: Urbanization
Year of eligibility: 5
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180

Key stats 2010: Started seven games at quarterback. Went 118-for-211 and 1304 passing yards and five touchdowns. Ranked second on the team with 245 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Awards & honours (since start of CIS career): Named the OUA and CIS offensive player of the week after completing 28-of-45 passes for a career-high 343 yards and two touchdowns and gained an additional 43 yards on seven carries as U of T upset the then No. 2 Ottawa Gee-Gees on Oct. 2, 2010.

PROFILE

The dark days are over. Andrew Gillis was a rookie during Toronto’s last 0-8 season in 2007.  He suited up as a receiver as U of T snapped its 49-game losing streak on Sept. 1, 2008. Since then, Gillis has been an integral part of a squad that just keeps getting better - and he’s looking to end his career with a bang.

Gillis leads a large graduating class at U of T in 2011. The Toronto native is not only in search of his first playoff berth, but the Blues first post-season appearance since 1995.

The fifth-year quarterback has continually improved each year, nearly tripling his 2009 numbers last season.  After a breakout season in 2010, which saw him earn CIS offensive player of the week honours, Gillis is back, confident and ready.  The urbanization major threw for 1304 yards last season and looks to climb the OUA leader board in 2011.

“This is Andrew’s year to shine,” said Varsity Blues head coach Greg Gary. “He’ll be asked to do a lot, but not more than any other winning quarterback in the OUA.  His leadership will be vital in establishing a cohesive working unit on offence and implementing new systems on the field.”