T-Birds QB O’Connor looking to go out in style
People were wondering three years ago if UBC Thunderbirds quarterback Michael O’Connor was already ready for the CFL.
They were people who know what they’re talking about.
O’Connor, the fourth-year pivot who leads the T-Birds against the Manitoba Bisons in their Canada West season opener on Saturday (7 p.m.) at Thunderbird Stadium, participated in the B.C. Lions’ 2015 training camp as part of the CFL’s internship for Canadian university passers.
He had players who were trying out for the Lions thinking that he was doing the same, after wrapping up his university career.
“It’s a weird situation. You’re with the team for training camp, but you’re not with the team,” said O’Connor, downplaying the compliments from years back. “It’s not a situation that occurs very often in sports, so you can see why people might get confused.”
University of B.C. coach Blake Nill added: “His physical tools were always obvious. And, since then, he’s fine-tuned his skill set and become an even better leader.”
O’Connor has another season of U Sports eligibility after this one, but he isn’t expected to use it, with Nill even admitting, “I’m not counting on it. We’re preparing for life without Michael O’Connor.”
The CFL scouting bureau came out with its first ranking for the 2019 CFL draft on Thursday and O’Connor was the lone QB listed, coming in at No. 20 on the overall poll. The six-foot-five, 235-pounder from Ottawa has been getting some buzz as the next great Canadian quarterback hope for some time.
“The CFL needs a player like Michael,” said Nill.
Keep in mind how unusual Canadian pivots are. Keep in mind that in 2015, Brandon Bridge became the first Canadian quarterback to start a game in the CFL since Giulio Caravatta in 1996, and last year became the first Canadian to start and win a game since Greg Vavra in 1985.
Handling that extra attention this year will be crucial to O’Connor and crucial to the TBirds, the No. 6-ranked team in U Sports going into this weekend. The Calgary Dinos are the top Canada West side, coming in at No. 5.
“I’m not thinking about the draft or pro football,” said O’Connor. “I’m focused on Manitoba and just Manitoba. When we get to the end of the season, my mindset will change. Right now, it’s about how I can help this team against Manitoba.”
O’Connor threw for 3,219 yards, with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games last season.
“I think I’ve done a lot of growing up, a lot of maturing the past few years. Now, going into my fourth year, I’m trying to be more of a steady force. I’m trying to keep an even keel,” he said.
In last year’s Canada West Hardy Cup final, UBC lost 44-43 on the road to the Dinos on a 59-yard field goal by Niko DiFonte with no time left on the clock.