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The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast: Episode 109

May 6, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

Andrew Hoskins and Travis Currah

BC Lions football is almost back and that means we’re back to kick off our 2018 Pawdcast season.

Special guests Andrew Hoskins of the Eskimo Empire Podcast and Travis Currah of the 2 and Out CFL Podcast join Brian to chat about the progress of their teams this off-season, the CFL Draft and other CFL topics.


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Filed Under: Featured, Interviews, Podcasts Tagged With: 2 and Out CFL Podcast, Andrew Hoskins, BC Lions, Brian Wawryshyn, CFL, CFL Draft, Eskimo Empire Podcast, Podcast, Travis Currah

BC Lions 2018 CFL Draft Recap

May 3, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

It’s that time again! Football is around the corner, and the BC Lions have added new cubs to the den in the 2018 CFL Draft. Here is a recap of the Lions picks today.

1st Round: 3rd Overall: Peter Godber, Offensive Lineman: Rice University (NCAA)

Peter Godber
(Photo credit: Chuck Pool, Rice Athletics)

Ed Hervey did what most thought he would do and addressed the offensive line with his first selection in the draft, 3rd overall.

Peter Godber is a physical player who may be ready to contribute sooner than later for the Leos. His football skills are impressive and he’s also set himself up for life after football, majoring in Sports Management and Kinesiology.

Gobder soured some in football circles with his decision not to test at the CFL Combine, and was sent home after he announced he would opt for a pro-day showing instead. He is represented by agent Jonathan Hardaway who has a reputation of focusing on NFL deals for his client and being a tough guy to negotiate with.

While his stock may have dropped during the combine, it rose again during his pro-day where his testing numbers were impressive. At 6-foot-4, 307 pounds Godber posted the following numbers:

  • 5.36 40-yard dash
  • 4.68 short shuttle
  • 7.65 three-cone
  • 28″ vertical
  • 8’4″ broad jump
  • 36 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Godber, a known gym rat played at a high level starting 35 of 48 games during his NCAA career at Rice, and would be a solid addition to the interior of the Lions offensive line. His addition will push the likes of David Foucault and Charles Vaillancourt for the starting right guard spot after the Lions parted ways with Kirby Fabien this off-season.

Gord Randall, USports Analyst for Krown Countdown U had this to say about Godber:

Godber doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the draft but they’ll get him right away (and he’s better than Rutherford).

1st Round: 7th Overall: Julien Laurent, Defensive Tackle: Georgia State (NCAA)

Hervey went to the defensive side of the line of scrimmage with his 2nd pick of the first round. With the 7th overall pick they secured in Wednesday’s trade with Winnipeg, the Lions selected defensive tackle Julien Laurent out of Georgia State.

A two-year starter, Laurent anchored Georgia State’s offensive line that was stingy against the run in 2017, and was part of a defence that helped set school records for fewest points per game allowed (24.5), fewest rushing yards per game (136.4), fewest yards per rushing attempt (4.13) and most sacks (24). Laurent tied for the team lead with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 24 tackles and a pass breakup.

His real strength is against the run and he should be able to free up the Lions linebackers to make pressure plays by drawing attention on the line of scrimmage. His addition also helps the Lions commit to a Canadian starter on the defensive line, with Junior Luke and David Menard already in the mix,

ACADEMIC HONORS:

• 2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District (first team)

• Dean’s List, Spring 2015, Spring 2017

• Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, Spring 2016, Fall 2016

ATHLETIC HONORS:

• 2017 All-Sun Belt Conference (honorable mention)

2nd Round: 16th Overall: David Mackie, Fullback: Western (USports)

The Lions picked up a fullback with their 3rd pick of the day picking up David Mackie from the Vanier Cup Champion, Western Mustangs

A key component of the Mustangs offence, Mackie earned his first OUA All-Star nod this season, earning a spot on the 1st Team. He is described as a versatile player and is good at picking up blocks as well as catching the ball out of the backfield. His skills as a long snapper could prove valuable as well as contributions on special teams. He was the 18th ranked prospect in the draft.

The Lions have gotten 11 solid seasons from Rolly Lumbala, who isn’t done yet, but the Lions have added some depth at the position.

The Mustangs posted this on Twitter following Mackie’s selection:

Here’s a look at the newest member of the @BCLions, David Mackie! #PurpleReign #CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/9xFLEkNBLY

— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) May 4, 2018

3rd Round: 21st Overall: David Knevel, Offensive Lineman: Nebraska (NCAA)

At 6’9″ 305 (330 on his pro-day) pounds, David Knevel is a specimen, but the Lions may have to wait while to get him as he has NFL aspirations and has reported workouts lined up:

Add Knevel: Reported NFL minicamps stints w/ Saints, Raiders come first #BCLions #CFLDraft

— Lowell Ullrich (@FifthQtr) May 4, 2018

Knevel, who was at one time the top ranked player by the Central Scouting Bureau, the sees himself as a tackle. The Lions have taken chances on players like this before, both with Danny Watkins and Brett Boyko, that haven’t panned out. But the pick is very solid if Knevel, who says he’d love to play in Canada if the NFL doesn’t workout ends up coming North.

Here is Knevel talking about his pro-day performance.

4th Round: 34th Overall: Isaiah Guzyak-Messam, Defensive Back: Wilfred Laurier (USports)

The Lions went back to the defence and picked up defensive back Isaiah Guzyak-Messam in the 4th round with the 34th overall pick. The Lions originally didn’t have a pick in the round but swung a deal with Montreal, sending the 36th and 46th pick to the Alouettes.

At 6’1″, 207 lbs, Guzyak-Messam played in 7 games in 2017 registering 2 interceptions, 28 tackles and 7 pass knockdowns.

As you’ll see by his 2018 highlight tape, he likes to hit…hard.

6th Round: 47th Overall: Rashari Henry, Defensive Lineman: Wilfred Laurier (USports)

The Lions stuck with the Laurier Golden Hawks in the 6th round after sitting out the 5th, selecting defensive lineman Rashari Henry. Playing from the defensive end position Henry was a teammate of one of last year’s impact picks, Kwaku Boateng of the Edmonton Eskimos and has also been inspired by former Lions first round pick Ese Mrabure, who is now with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Here is a great piece on Henry’s CFL Combine experience in his own words.

You can checkout his highlight package here:

7th Round: 54th Overall: William Watson, Wide Receiver: UBC (USports)

The Lions looked in their own backyard with their 7th and final pick of the day, selecting UBC’s William Watson with the 54th overall selection. Watson was named to the College Football America 2017 Yearbook U Sports Starting Lineup, CFA’s version of an All-Canada team. The Lions have Danny Vandervoort looking to play a bigger role, but the retirement of Marco Iannuzzi adding some depth at this position couldn’t hurt.

Gord Randall, had this to say when I asked him about Watson:

Will is a scrapper who has a real underdog mentality. He’s got marginal size but he will work for you, guaranteed.

Struggled with drops earlier on in his uni career but worked to improve that and also became a polished route runner. He’ll battle well for contested balls and elevates well for a smaller guy.

Has done some returning but has never been the main guy there. Certainly motivated and could be tough enough and athletic enough to stick as a teamer. One other thing to keep in mind about Will… Geroy knows him better than anyone.

All in all it was a solid day at the office for Ed Hervey and the Lions. Next up training camp…it’s great to have football back. I’ll be chatting with Eskimo Empire Podcast host Andrew Hoskins and Travis Currah of the 2 and Out CFL Podcast about the draft and other CFL topics this weekend on a special Episode of the BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast. Stay tuned!

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Drafts/Prospects, Featured Tagged With: BC Lions, Brian Wawryshyn, CFL, CFL Draft, David Knevel, David Mackie, Ed Hervey, Isaiah Guzyak-Messam, Julien Laurent, Peter Godber, Rashari Henry, William Watson

Key CFL Dates in 2018

January 29, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

CFL

The CFL has announced some key dates for the 2018 football season.

February 13th – 2018 Free Agency Opens
Teams will be able to sign free agents beginning at noon ET.

March 7th – Eastern Regional Combine in Montreal, Que
The Eastern Regional Combine will take place at Olympic Stadium. The schedule and roster for combine testing will be announced closer to the date.

March 9th – Ontario Regional Combine in Toronto, Ont
The Ontario Regional Combine will take place at the Athletic Centre at the University of Toronto, with on-field components taking place at the University of Toronto bubble. The schedule and roster for combine testing will be announced closer to the date.

March 20th – 22nd – Rules Committee & Competition Committee Meetings
These meetings will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

March 21st – 25th – Mark’s CFL Week in Winnipeg, Man
Media Events at Mark’s CFL Week:

Canadian Football Hall of Fame VIP Reception: March 21
Player arrivals: March 21 & 22
Media Days: March 22 & 23
Football Operations Media Conference: March 23

March 22nd – Western Regional Combine in Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Western Regional Combine will take place at Subway Soccer South. The schedule and roster for combine testing will be announced closer to the date.

March 23rd – 25th – National CFL Combine presented by adidas in Winnipeg, Manitoba
In preparation for the 2018 CFL Draft the league’s general managers, coaches and scouts will be in Winnipeg, MB to evaluate more than fifty of the country’s top football prospects.

The 2018 National CFL Combine presented by adidas will be held at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg and for on-field drills at the University of Winnipeg. The schedule and roster for combine testing will be announced closer to the date.

April 30th – CFL rosters reduced to 75

May 3rd – CFL Draft

First Round Draft Order:

1. Montreal Alouettes
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
3. BC Lions
4. Ottawa REDBLACKS
5. Saskatchewan Roughriders
6. Edmonton Eskimos
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
8. Calgary Stampeders
9. Toronto Argonauts
For the entire 2018 CFL Draft order, click here.

May 7th-12th – U SPORTS East/West Bowl
The U SPORTS East/West Bowl will be held in Quebec City, Que.

May 16th – Rookie Camps Open

May 20th – Training Camps Open

May 27th – Preseason Begins

June 9th – Teams must cut down from Training Camp Roster by 10:00 p.m. ET

June 14th – CFL Regular Season Kick Off
Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers 8:30 p.m. ET

October 10th – Trade Deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET

November 11th – Eastern and Western Semi-Final

November 18th – Eastern and Western Final

November 25th – 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw in Edmonton, Alta.

Filed Under: Blog Posts, CFL/League, Featured, News Tagged With: 2018, CFL, CFL Draft, Free Agency

The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast: Episode 93

May 19, 2017 By Brian Wawryshyn

We recap the BC Lions work in the 2017 Canadian College Draft and chat with their 3rd overall draft pick, wide receiver Danny Vandervoort of McMaster.


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This show was recorded on May 16th, 2017

Filed Under: 2017, BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast, Featured, Interviews, Podcasts Tagged With: BC Lions, BCLionsDen.ca, Brian Wawryshyn, CFL, CFL Draft, Danny Vandervoort, Mojo Kemp, Podcast

BC Lions #CFLDraft Live Blog

May 7, 2017 By Brian Wawryshyn


Welcome to our live blog of the 2017 CFL Draft. We will be covering some of the social stuff leading up to the draft itself as well as updating all of the BC Lions picks as they happen. (The love portion of the blog will end after the compkletion of the second round with updates later).

Pre-Draft Banter

Farhan Lalji of TSN reports a trade may be in the works between the BC Lions and the Montreal Alouettes for the 7th overall pick:

I’m told #BCLions & #Als have a trade in place for BCs 7th overall pick. Deal is contingent on certain players being available. #CFLDraft

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) May 7, 2017

The obligatory Simpsons reference on #CFLDraft Day:

#CFLDraft Day! ??? pic.twitter.com/rFDTLm3WED

— CFL (@CFL) May 7, 2017

The BC Lions have their Draft Central page set up here.

3DownNation’s Justin Dunk feels CFL scouts may have a different opinion of Danny Vandervoort than the media does:

@barronbrown Different positions valued higher in CFL draft. Other media has anointed Danny Vandervoort as a first rounder, CFL scouts different story.

— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) May 7, 2017

Farhan Lalji reports the Riders like either linebacker Cameron Judge or offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek with the 2nd overall pick:

Hearing that #Riders pick at #2 will be either @cameronjudge or @_dbladek. #CFLDraft @CFLonTSN

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) May 7, 2017

The BC Lions War Room is ready to go. What will they do with their two first-round picks?

War Room. Calm before the storm. @CFL Draft gets going at 4:00 Pacific! ???#BCLions #TalentFindingTalent pic.twitter.com/Rzdc7qEvqC

— BC Lions (@BCLions) May 7, 2017

Thirty minutes to the draft and all is quiet. Too quiet we say…so more Simpsons:

The Simpsons and the #CFLDraft. You gotta love it.https://t.co/Jcw1erYskF#CFL

— CFL News (@CFL_News) May 7, 2017

Draft Partaaaay at the BC Lions practice facility in Surrey (Photo: Neill Wotherspoon)

#BCLions draft party is underway. #CFLDraft (via @Gettework) pic.twitter.com/RsW750rTpC

— BC Lions Den (@BCLionsDen) May 7, 2017

Yeah…this. Vancouver too.

Raptors done. Leafs done. Bluejays done. Hey Toronto, the #CFLDraft is in 45 minutes! Support the @TorontoArgos

— Dave Dawson (@DaveDawson7) May 7, 2017

The Draft Begins

First Round

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – DL Faith Ekakitie – University of Iowa
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders – LB Cameron Judge – UCLA
3. BC Lions – WR Danny Vandervoort – McMaster

Welcome to the Lion's Den, Daniel! ???#CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/6GkzOQuGei

— BC Lions (@BCLions) May 7, 2017


4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – DL Conner McGough – University of Calgary
5. Edmonton Eskimos – WR Nate Behar – Carelton
6. Calgary Stampeders – (Via Winnipeg for 8th and 34th picks) – DL Randy Colling – Gannon University
3. BC Lions – DL Junior Luke – University of Montreal

Your #BCLions are proud to welcome Junior Luke to the Den! ???#CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/J32u1zGB74

— BC Lions (@BCLions) May 7, 2017


Yeah, I said it on May 4th…#Guru

@GARandall @TSN_Marsh I'm wondering if they go receiver, d-line and take an offensive lineman in the 2nd.

— BC Lions Den (@BCLionsDen) May 5, 2017


8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Geoff Dray – University of Manitoba
9. Ottawa Redblacks – OL Evan Johnson – University of Saskatchewan

Danny Vandervoort and friends celebrate his selection by the Lions:

The Lions may have tipped him off. Danny Vandervoort is headed to BC. #cfl #CFLDRAFT pic.twitter.com/MOxVIRJhPn

— Chris O'Leary (@olearychris) May 7, 2017

Wally liked Junior and was pleased he was there at 7:

#BCLions strongly considered drafting Junior Luke with 3Rd overall pick. When he was available at 7, the deal with #Als was off. #CFLDraft

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) May 8, 2017

Second Round

10. Toronto Argonauts – OL Mason Woods – University of Idaho
11. Saskatchewan Roughriders – OL Dariusz Bladek – Bethune-Cookman University
12. Montreal Alouettes – DL Fabion Foote – McMaster University
13. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – OL Braden Schram – University of Calgary
14. Edmonton Eskimos – OL Jean-Simon Roy – University of Laval
15. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – OL Qadr Spooner – McGill University
16. BC Lions – OL Jeremy Zver – University of Regina

Welcome to the Den, Jeremy! ???#CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/26icWv07ZJ

— BC Lions (@BCLions) May 8, 2017


17. Calgary Stampeders – WR Julan Lunch – University of Saskatchewan
18. Ottawa Redblacks – FB Anthony Gosselin – Sherbrooke University

Thanks for following us live through the first two rounds. We’ll update the rest of the picks later this evening. Well done Wally!

Filed Under: CIS Football, Drafts/Prospects, Featured Tagged With: BC Lions, CFL, CFL Draft, Social Media

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