With the University of Manitoba struggling at 0-5 so far this season on the gridiron, it’s been a tough year for Adrian Huntley in terms of achieving team goals.
But it’s been a different story in terms of individual achievements for the former Muskie receiver, who is finally having a breakthrough season with the Bisons.
In fact, the fourth-year slotback is getting rave reviews around the league as he runs his way to top 10 showings in both yardage and receiving in Canada West football.
Heading into last Saturday’s embarrassing 63-20 defeat at the hands of the University of Calgary Dinosaurs on home turf, the Fort Frances native was tied for sixth in receptions (12) and ninth in yardage (169).
But the speedy receiver, who runs the fastest 40 among Bison receivers (clocked at 4.42 seconds during the fall camp, had another outstanding game despite the cold, blustery conditions at Bison Stadium, hauling in six catches for 128 yards and a 54-yard touchdown.
He almost made it two majors on the day but a Dino defender swatted an apparent touchdown catch out of his hands in the corner of the end zone late in the first half.
Still, his numbers on the afternoon almost assuredly are going to move Huntley further up the standings. And now the Bisons have a bye week before they face the second-place UBC Thunderbirds (4-1) there Oct. 23.
Huntley, also one of the Bisons’ captains this year, said he’s been pleased with his season so far–and hopes the rest of the team can get on track quickly.
“It’s definitely been a good season in that we’re passing the ball and I’m getting some balls thrown my way so it’s nice in that respect,” said the 6’2”, 200-pound receiver, adding he’s moved around in different formations to better utilize his speed.
That speed was evident in Saturday’s game against Calgary, enabling Huntley to showcase his abilities despite the fact the Bisons continue to struggle under head coach Brian Dobie.
Huntley said he has been working on improving and “fine tuning” his speed in hopes of attracting attention from CFL scouts at this year’s Canadian college draft.
“Because we’ve struggled, it opens up our passing game, especially when the defence moves up to the line to stop the run,” said Huntley, who is joined on the Bisons by fellow Fort Frances native Brent Jackson (linebacker and special teams).
“[Quarterback] Greg [Korstrom] is making the right reads, and myself and Cory Larsen are seeing a lot of balls,” he added
Huntley said he hopes the Bisons continue to find him as their go-to guy down the stretch in order to help position him in this year’s draft.
“This is my draft year so I’m hoping to finish the season strong so I can get a good look at by a couple of teams,” he enthused.
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