York running back named Canadian Interuniversity Sport player of the week

headshot of Kyle Exume

York University Lions running back Kyle Exume was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) offensive football player of the week for the period ending Sept. 9.

The selection was made by a committee comprised of members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC).

headshot of Kyle ExumeKyle Exume

The honour continues a stellar week for the fifth-year humanities student from Whitby, Ont., as he also earned the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) offensive football player of the week award and the OUA Pioneer Energy male athlete of the week award on Monday.

Exume, playing in his first home game as a member of the Lions after four seasons with the Bishop’s University Gaiters, had the highest rushing total in a single game in the CIS this season, accounting for 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 47-36 victory over the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday.

His first score came on the first play of the second quarter, a six-yard run to make the score 21-14 for Ottawa. He tied the game five-and-a-half minutes later when he exploded through the line and up the sideline for an 85-yard touchdown, and he added his third early in the fourth quarter on an eight-yard rush to cap a 12-play, 107-yard drive that gave the Lions a 40-28 lead.

In total he contributed over 200 yards of offence, adding 25 receiving yards to his rushing total, and he also helped on special teams with two tackles.

After two weeks of play, Exume is currently fourth in the OUA with 201 rushing yards and sixth overall in total points scored, with 18.

The other nominees for the award were receivers Michael Squires of Acadia and Brett Blaszko of Calgary, as well as quarterback Jeremi Roch of the Sherbrooke Vert et Or.

Also earning the CIS awards this week were Jamir Walker of the Regina Rams on defence and Jahmeek Taylor of Saint Mary’s on special teams.

The Lions, who are 1-1 on the season, head to Waterloo, Ont., in Week 3 for a game against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (0-2) at University Stadium. Kick-off is set for 1pm.