After previously earning conference all-star status, AK Gassama and Giordano Vaccaro have now been recognized at the national level. Earlier tonight in Kingston, ON, the pair were recognized as First Team All-Canadians at the U SPORTS football awards gala.

There have now been 97 All-Canadians selected from Manitoba since 1969, and the program has earned national recognition in four of the last six years.

For Gassama, it's his second straight time being honoured, after second-team status in 2022. The Sierra, Leone native becomes the first Bison since Shae Weekes in 2018-19 to achieve back-back All-Canadian recognition.

Gassama had another productive season for the Bisons, starting every game at the X position, while finishing tenth in receiving yards, with 399, and second in touchdown receptions, with four. His 512 all-purpose yards were also top 15 in the conference.

Gassama also reached a major program milestone in 2023, recording 100 catches. He becomes just the seventh Bison in team history to tally at least 100 catches and 1000 receiving yards.

His 1378 receiving yards rank eighth all-time, while his 100 grabs are seventh. He's also fourth all-time in touchdown receptions, with 13, while his 14.7 yards per catch average also ranks seventh all-time.

This is Vaccaro's first time being named an All-Canadian. He's also the first Bisons offensive lineman to be named All-Canadian since current Blue Bombers guard Geoff Gray in 2016.

Vaccaro has been nothing short of consistent for Manitoba since returning to his home province from a prep school year in Florida in 2021. He started every game at left tackle in 2022, and was a versatile force in 2023, starting every game, with reps at tackle and guard on the left side.

The St. Paul's alum was part of a Bisons offensive line that helped pave the way for the second-leading rushing total in the conference (1443 yards, 180.4 yards per game).

"My mind is bouncing back and forth between the two of them, and I see nothing but commonalities all the way across. They're both leaders in who they are," said head coach Brian Dobie.

"They both have tremendous work ethics. All year round they just don't stop. They have great attitudes and are tremendous teammates. They're certainly deserving of First Team All-Canadian recognition. They're two of the best football players in the country of Canada."