When 6-foot-5-inches Western Mustangs quarterback Jerome Rancourt rolls out of the pocket, it’s a nightmare for defensive backs. “It’s definitely not the corner’s first choice to tackle when he rolls out,” said Dasani McIntosh, Mustangs wide receiver. The fifth-year quarterback from Quebec City, Que. is the new starter after Evan Hillock graduated. His transition from backup to starter comes at new head coach and quarterback guru Michael Faulds installs new schemes. “We have him as a head coach, but most of the time he’s our quarterback coach,” said Rancourt. “We spent a lot of time including a couple of days before the camp started, we had a little retreat. All the quarterbacks went over the playbook threw some balls and it’s been very good.” Rancourt has been used in third-down and short-yardage situations over the past four seasons which has resulted in him racking up 25 rushing touchdowns. His size has made him the perfect player in those scenarios. “I think everyone knows he’s a bruising runner,” said Faulds. “He can throw the ball a mile, but he’s really worked on his accuracy and his touch. I think it’s going to present some challenges for opposing defensive coordinators. Is he going to take off with his legs? Is he going to drop back and throw it? He always has a stable of running backs behind him, led by the nation’s leading rusher Ethan Dolby last year.” For the receiver group like McIntosh, it opens up the passing game when a quarterback is a dual threat. “Just more second chance plays,” said McIntosh. “Anytime the play breaks down, we know Jerome’s going to keep it alive. Guys like me with a little bit of speed; we’re definitely going to try to either take the top off or come back to the ball and try to make things happen.” He’s also seen Rancourt develop the mid-range passing game. “When Jerome throws the ball, you have to be ready,” added McIntosh who had two receiving touchdowns in 2025. “He definitely has a ton of arm strength, but he’s just working on those intermediate throws. He could run the ball. He could throw the deep ball. Just having a bit more touch is something that he’s added to his game in the summer.” In a season of change, Rancourt is set to take on the leadership role. He’s been grinding all offseason to handle the workload. “I was also prepping for the CFL combine as a tight end, but I knew there was a possibility of me coming back,” said Rancourt. “Eventually I decided that was going to be the way. So, I was working with the guys a lot in the winter and then came back a couple of weeks earlier in the summer to make sure we were ready before camp.” One more week of work, then Western will open their season against York on Sept. 6. “Now it’s just about getting the boys ready,” said Rancourt.
