UBC Thunderbirds’ OL Theo Benedet wins second consecutive J.P. Metras Trophy

Courtesy: Bob Frid/UBC Athletics

University of British Columbia offensive tackle Theo Benedet has been named the J.P. Metras Trophy winner as Canada’s top down lineman for a second consecutive season.

Benedet is just the third person in history to claim the award in consecutive years and the first offensive lineman, joining former Laval defensive ends Mathieu Betts and Arnaud Gascon-Nadon. He beat out St. FX defensive end Alexander Fedchun, Montreal defensive tackle Christopher Fontenard, and Waterloo defensive end Tyson Hergott for this year’s award.

The six-foot-seven, 305-pound right tackle has started every game for the Thunderbirds since his rookie season in 2019, helping UBC put together the most potent offence in the Canada West this season. His impact helped usher the team to their first Vanier Cup appearance since 2015 this year.

Benedet was the lone Canadian invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas last February, earning distinction as the most well-rounded offensive tackle in attendance by rating in the 75th percentile or above in all pass set metrics according to advanced movement analysis. He was the third-ranked prospect on the CFL’s Fall Scouting Bureau rankings and is expected to receive considerable NFL interest this offseason.

The Montreal Carabins will face off against the UBC Thunderbirds in the 58th Vanier Cup on Saturday, November 25 at 1:00 p.m. EST in Richardson Memorial Stadium in Kingston, Ont.