Name: Wesley Mann
University: Queen's University
Hometown: Almonte, Ont.
High School: Almonte DHS
Position: Defensive Back/Safety
Program: Economics
Year of Eligibility: 4
Height: 5'11
Weight: 189
 
Key stats from 2016: Played in 8 games tying for conference lead in interceptions with 5, averaged 3.3 tackles per game and finished with 21 solo tackles
 
Awards & honours (since start of U SPORTS career): 2^nd Team OUA All-Star (2016), named to Team East in East-West Bowl (2016), Queen's Most Valuable Defensive Player of the Year (2016), Queen's Most Improved Player of the Year (2016)
 
Profile:
 
Coming off an OUA All-Star season and representing Team East in the East-West Bowl, it's safe to say that Wesley Mann made a name for himself last season.
 
Last year's season opener at Laurier saw a two interception game from Mann. The game proved to be the first of many in which the safety would shine on the Gaels defence.
 
Mann sat on top of the conference leaderboard in interceptions, recording a career-high five – one of which he returned for a touchdown in the Gaels 55-5 homecoming victory over Windsor.
 
"Opportunities were created for me in the back end because of our defensive line, defensive backs and linebackers covering down," reflected Mann. "When they're tipping the ball up and getting pressure on the quarterback, it makes opportunities for interceptions."
 
With a veteran defence, the defensive line has experience on their side. "By now, we're all a pretty tight-knit group," said Mann. "The experience of having everyone battle-tested is going to help us out a lot. If we need to bring guys in, they know what to do."
 
Entering his fourth season with the Gaels, Mann has his sights set on one thing. "Individually, I haven't set goals for myself," said Mann. "My only goal is to do everything I can to help our team win the Yates."