The Marauders teenaged invasion turned heads in 2017, and their talent was recognized Tuesday as the OUA unveiled its All-Rookie Team, the first step in the major awards and all-stars process that rolls out before Thursday's Yates Cup press conference.

Grabbing hold of starting positions in their first seasons, the trio of quarterback Jackson White (Cambridge, ON), running back Justice Allin (Toronto, ON) and receiver Tommy Nield (Guelph, ON) were among the 26 players honoured, alongside oft-featured offensive lineman Wyatt Edmonds (Winnipeg, MB).

White took full control of the quarterback position by the time McMaster kicked off week four against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, and put together an encouraging rookie season that included a 65 per cent completion rate (second in the OUA), 10 touchdowns and 1737 yards (both sixth in the OUA).

For his part, Allin was on course for a rookie season to remember, with his contributions only growing before an injury cut his year short in McMaster's week eight contest against the Windsor Lancers. The Etobicoke, Ont. product had posted consecutive performances of over 100 yards receiving, and had a whopping tally of 225 all-purpose yards in Mac's week seven win over the Toronto Varsity Blues.

He figures to be a major piece in the Marauders offence upon his return to the lineup in 2018.

Much like his fellow rookies at the skill positions, Nield assumed a starting role immediately in 2017, and quickly made it his own. Operating chiefly out of the slotback position, the Guelph, Ont. native finished third among McMaster receivers with 23 receptions, and tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.

With McMaster reacting to injuries across the offensive line, Edmonds dressed in all eight of the team's regular season contests, and saw action at every position in the trenches, with his time largely split spelling veterans at centre and guard.

2017 OUA Football All-Rookie Team

DT – Sander Mod, Guelph
QB – Alex Lavric, Ottawa
QB – Jackson White, McMaster
WR – Will Corby, Toronto
QB – Tre Ford, Waterloo
RB/WR – Justice Allin, McMaster
WR - Tommy Nield, McMaster
CB – Tyrell Ford, Waterloo
DE – Alain Pae, Ottawa
OT – Spencer Andrews, Waterloo
LB – Kosi Onyeka, Guelph
RET – Ryan Isenor, Guelph
G/C/T – Wyatt Edmonds, McMaster
CB – Danny McWhirter, Carleton
LB – Mario Pineda, Laurier
DT – Michael Perak, Waterloo
WR – Nick Petermann, Laurier
OL – Tanner Bishop, Ottawa
OL – James Duffey Jr., York
RB – Kavantye Bailey, Laurier
LB – Jared Beeksma, Guelph
RB – Konner Burtenshaw, Queen's
DT – Austin Fordham-Miller, Western
DB – Danny Valente, Western
DB – Daniel Loggale, York
DB – Daniel Stirling, Windsor