REGINA – Three members of the University of Calgary Dinos football team have been named U SPORTS All-Canadians, the national sport governing body announced Thursday night at the annual banquet leading into the 2025 Vanier Cup.

Connor Jones was named a First Team All-Canadian, while both Joel Pipke and Evan Smith were named Second Team All-Canadians.

After making a name for himself a year ago as a rookie, Jones was recognized for his work on special teams at the rush/cover position. The second-year linebacker out of Coquitlam, B.C. was once again outstanding on special teams. He blocked his second career kick in the season opener against Regina. Jones finished the year with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 19 total tackles, two pass break ups and two kick returns for 63 yards.

Pipke becomes the second All-Canadian punter for the Dinos in the last four years. The third-year local product finished his second full season as the starting punter with a career-best 44.6-yard average. Despite kicking the ball away 14 less times this season, Pipke finished with more punts that finished inside the opponent's 20-yard line (13) and more 50+ yard bombs (11) on the year, consistently flipping the field position for the Scarlet & Gold.

Smith also earns his first All-Canadian honours after another standout season at the tight end/halfback position. The third-year from Calgary's Notre Dame High School was once again a force, leading the way for the Dinos' standout backfield. In addition to his blocking role, Smith also added three touchdowns on the year. He plunged the ball in on runs from close range in both wins against Alberta while also adding his first receiving major on a 15-yard catch and run at Manitoba.

This marks the first time the Dinos have had three All-Canadian selections since four members of the program were honoured on the 2019 squad that won the Vanier Cup.

-UC-