2024 CORNISH TROPHY WATCH LIST ANNOUNCED
TOP 12 CANADIANS IN NCAA ON DISPLAY
VANCOUVER – The Cornish Trophy presented by Krown Produce is awarded annually to the top Canadian player in NCAA football, is proud to announce its pre-season watch list for the upcoming season. This year’s list features a talented group of Canadian players who have demonstrated outstanding performances on the field and are expected to be key contributors to their respective teams. Below is the list of players who have been named to the 2024 Cornish watch list:
CORNISH TROPHY PRE-SEASON WATCH LIST
Elic Ayomanor
Sophomore, Wide Receiver
6’3”/205
Stanford/Medicine Hat, Alberta
Ayomanor had a breakout season in 2023, recording over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns. He was recognized with the Cornish Trophy last year for his exceptional performance.
Akheem Mesidor
Junior, Defensive Lineman
6’3”/280
University of Miami/Ottawa, Ontario
Mesidor made a significant impact with 7 sacks in his first season at Miami, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the ACC. He is looking to bounce back after an injury plagued 2023.
Kurtis Rourke
Senior, Quarterback
6’5”/230
Indiana University/Oakville, Ontario
After transferring from Ohio University, where he was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, Rourke is expected to lead Indiana in the Big Ten Conference.
Isaiah Bagnah
Senior, Defensive End
6’4”/240
BYU Cougars/Lethbridge, Alberta
Bagnah is known for his relentless pass-rushing abilities and looks to be a disruptive force as off-season training will make him a more versatile in the Big 12 Conference.
Damien Alford
Senior, Wide Receiver
6’6”/215
University of Utah/Montreal, Quebec
The transfer from Syracuse, Alford brings a dynamic presence to Utah’s offense, with his size and ability to make contested catches.
Nolan Ulm
Senior, Wide Receiver
6’2” /200
Eastern Washington University/ Kelowna, BC
Ulm has been a consistent contributor to Eastern Washington’s high-powered offense and is poised for a strong final season.
Keelan White
Senior, Wide Receiver
6’1”/195
University of Montana/North Vancouver, British Columbia
White delivered some of his best performances in 2023 in the Griz’ run to a national final appearance, and is expected to be a prime target for Montana.
Ty Benefield
Sophomore, Safety
6’2”/200
Boise State Broncos, Vancouver, BC
Benefield has made a name for himself as a true freshman with his strong tackling and quick reactions, showing great potential in Boise State’s secondary.
Nuer Gatkuoth
Junior, Defensive Lineman
6’5”/250
Colorado State Rams, Edmonton, Alberta
Gatkuoth is expected to continue his upward trajectory, emerging as one of the top defensive players in the Mountain West Conference.
Jett Elad
Senior, Defensive Back
6’0”/195
UN LV Rebels, Mississauga, Ontario
Elad is a key figure in UNLV’s defense and is recognized for his versatility and playmaking ability.
Rene Konga
Senior, Defensive Lineman
6’4”/270
Louisville, Montreal, Quebec
Konga brings experience and playmaking ability to Coastal Carolina’s defense, after a solid stint at Rutgers.
Malick Meiga
Junior, Wide Receiver
6’4”/200
University of South Carolina, Saint-Jérôme, Quebec
The transfer from Penn State, Meiga is expected to be a key addition to the Gamecocks’ receiving corps with his deep-threat capability.
These players have shown exceptional talent and dedication to their sport, and we look forward to watching their progress throughout the season as they vie for the Cornish Trophy presented by Krown Produce. Stay tuned for more updates on TSN Gridiron Nation throughout the season as these players continue to showcase their skills on the field.
For more information, please contact:
Jim Mullin
Trustee, Krown Cornish Trophy
President, Football Canada
E: jim@northern8.com
