The CFL season is just two months away and draft prospects from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta gathered at Commonwealth Field House in Edmonton to compete in the Western Regional Combine. For over forty football players, this was their last chance to impress scouts and general managers from all nine teams that attended.
Their goal is to make the National Combine in Toronto and the 2019 CFL Draft.
The environment was intense and competitive, as each station tested the players’ strength, agility, speed, vertical and overall performance.
Stations included the bench press, the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump and the 3-cone drill. While most players were focused on making the cut for the National Combine, one player, quarterback Kyle Siemens, was there for the experience.
I think everyone who plays football here in Canada would love to to be able to play professionally, so to be able to continue to play football in the CFL would obviously be a dream come true, but it’s also a great experience, so it’s just good to be here.
Kyle Siemens
Siemens, a 25-yeard-old, has been playing football for 17 years.
“Football’s been a big part of my life for over half of it now. I have a huge passion for it and I know that I would love to play professionally but honestly, as long I’m playing football, I don’t care what the circumstances are, I will always have a fun time,” says Siemens.
With so many players trying out, only three made the cut. These players are Calgary running back Jeshrun Antwi, wide receiver Shai Ross and defensive lineman Tariq Lachance. All three stood out in a crowd of forty-two, outperforming everyone in each category. Shai Ross dominated four of the six tests, finishing first.
The National Combine in Toronto takes place March 22.
