2024 STATESIDE FIVE

VANCOUVER, BC - The Jon Cornish Trophy committee is pleased to announce the five finalists for the 2024 award, each representing the very best of Canadian talent competing in NCAA football. Selected for their on-field excellence, leadership, and contributions to their respective programs, these standout athletes have demonstrated the elite skill and perseverance the Jon Cornish Trophy is designed to recognize.

 

Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford – Medicine Hat, AB)
A redshirt junior wide receiver at Stanford, Ayomanor delivered a steady presence on a team enduring a challenging 3-9 campaign. The reigning Cornish Trophy winner, he tallied 63 receptions, more than 831 yards, and 6 TDs in 2024. Ayomanor’s disciplined route-running, ability to gain tough extra yards, and knack for thriving on third downs made him a vital asset in the Cardinal passing game. His reliability, paired with strong route grades from Pro Football Focus, also drew the attention of observers north of the border, underscoring his potential to excel at the next level.

 

Ty Benefield (S, Boise State – Vancouver, BC)

A sophomore safety who emerged as a cornerstone of Boise State’s resurgent defence, Benefield stepped into a prominent role during the Broncos’ extraordinary 2024 season. Helping the team earn its first berth in the College Football Playoff, he logged 73 tackles, multiple pass breakups, two interceptions, and forced and recovered fumbles. Benefield’s keen on-field awareness, closing speed, and commitment to run support fuelled the Broncos’ undefeated conference run and propelled their defence into the national spotlight.

 

Dariel Djabome (LB, Rutgers – Longueuil, QC)

Djabome, a sophomore linebacker, became a key defensive linchpin for Rutgers in 2024. His athleticism, vocal leadership, and sharp field vision enabled him to register 102 tackles, multiple sacks, and forced fumbles. Excelling against both the run and in coverage, Djabome played a pivotal role in guiding the Scarlet Knights to a 7-5 record and a bowl berth. His performance earned praise from Pro Football Focus and placed him firmly among the rising Canadian defensive talents in NCAA football.

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Jett Elad (DB, UNLV – Mississauga, ON)

A senior safety and defensive back at UNLV, Elad helped the Rebels achieve a 9-3 record and climb into the national Top 25. His 73 tackles, along with an interception and numerous pass breakups, anchored a secondary that consistently disrupted opposing offenses. Elad’s field awareness and leadership in his second year with UNLV earned him a second consecutive Cornish Trophy finalist nod, affirming his position as one of the NCAA’s premier Canadian defenders.

 

Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana – Oakville, ON)

A graduate student quarterback who transferred from Ohio to Indiana, Rourke guided the Hoosiers to their best season in decades, going 11-1 and making program history. Rated as the top quarterback in Division I by multiple evaluators, Rourke’s steady decision-making, efficiency, and improved mobility confounded defences and propelled Indiana to unprecedented success. Finishing second-team All-Big Ten, ninth in Heisman voting, and a finalist for the Manning Award, Rourke’s meteoric rise underscores his status as an elite signal-caller with a bright professional future.

 

Honourable mentions: Jaylen Smith (LB, North Texas – Hamilton, ON); Keelan White (WR, Montana – North Vancouver, BC); Rohan Jones (TE, Montana State – Montreal, QC); Nick Cenacle (WR, Hawai’i – Montreal, QC).

 

Next Steps
The winner of the 2024 Jon Cornish Trophy will be announced Monday, December 23 at 1pm ET on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gridironnationcanada.

 

Past Winners

2017 – Nathan Rourke, QB, Ohio – Oakville, ON

2018 – Nathan Rourke, QB, Ohio – Oakville, ON

2019 – Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State – Sherwood Park, AB

2020 – John Metchie III, WR, Alabama – Brampton, ON

2021 – John Metchie III, WR, Alabama – Brampton, ON

2022 – Chase Brown, RB, Illinois – London, ON

2023 – Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford – Medicine Hat, AB