Six Dinos Draft Picks Make CFL Rosters

A quartet players from the 2016 Hardy Cup and Mitchell Bowl Champion University of Calgary Dinos are have made CFL rosters.

Defensive lineman Connor McGough and offensive tackle Braden Schram have made the active roster of the Hamilton Tiger Cats while defensive back Robbie Woodson will be playing just up the 401 Highway for the Toronto Argonauts.

McGough, the fourth overall selection in the 2017 Canadian Football League Draft joins former Dino running back Mercer Timmis with the Tiger Cats. McGough should be familiar with Tim Horton’s Field. He was a starter last November when the Dinos lost a hard fought 31-26 to the Laval Rouge et Or. Connor enjoyed a solid four-year career with the Dinos earning All-Canadian honors in 2016 as well as being a Canada West all-star in 2014, 2016 and 2017.

Schram is an excellent example of perseverance and dedication. He commuted from his hometown of Manning, AB to Peace River driving 100 KM back and forth to practice. He red-shirted with the Dinos for two years as a linebacker before becoming a starter at offensive tackle and earning all-Canadian and All-Conference honors in 2016. He was selected 13^th overall in the 2017 draft.

Woodson was a four-year starter since joining the Dinos in 2013 at inside halfback from St. Francis High School. Just 21 years of age he is one of the youngest players in the CFL. Robbie was a Conference all-star in 2015 and 2017 and was selected 24^th overall by the Argos. He joins former Dino Sean McEwen in Toronto and becomes the second member of his family to play in the CFL following his older brother, Anthony, who is currently with the Calgary Stampeders. His father, Anthony, also played in the CFL.

“We are excited about the opportunity for our players that are leaving our program and going to play at the next level. This shows how hard they have worked while at the University of Calgary. We wish them all the best at the next level,” stated University of Calgary Head Coach Wayne Harris.

All-star receiver Austen Hartley also remains in the East being on the practice roster of the defending Grey Cup champion Ottawa Red Blacks. Hartley was the team’s leading receiver last year despite missing games due to injury. Austen was selected 53^rd overall by Ottawa.

Receiver Denzel Radford was selected 48^th overall by the Montreal Alouettes. Radford was traded during training camp to Saskatchewan and will be in the lineup playing special teams when they face the Montreal to open the CFL season.

“We are thrilled they (Austen and Denzel) made it and are proud of their efforts. They are two individuals that were essential to Vanier Cup run and will be missed,” stated Dinos offensive coordinator Ryan Sheahan.

DINOS PROSPECTS SHINE IN NORTH-SOUTH FOOTBALL GAME:

The future of the University of Calgary Dinos team was on display in full force over the weekend at the annual North-South High School football game at McMahon Stadium on Victoria Day.

No less than 17 players who have committed to the Dinos for 2017 donned the South uniform while two others played for the North team that saw the South win their third consecutive title with a 26-15 win Monday afternoon.

“They (players) played well. The defensive line was great and it was exciting to see the future players on the field. Many made big plays,” stated Dinos Head Coach Wayne Harris whose club are the defending Canada West and Mitchell Bowl Champions.

Three players that committed to the Dinos captured individual awards. Defensive lineman

Jacob Plamondon (Notre Dame; Red Deer, AB) was named the North’s Lineman of the game. Plamondon was a force putting pressure on the South’s quarterbacks the entire game showing why he was one of the top defensive line prospects in Alberta.

Defensive lineman Tyrese Best (Henry Wise Wood; Calgary, AB.) won the similar award for the South team and was a force stopping the run game as well as applying pressure. Wise Wood teammate defensive back, Trey Dube was named Most Valuable Player for the South team. Dube recorded one touchdown on an interception, blocked a punt, and forced a fumble to cap an outstanding High School career.

ND Giant Joins Dinos

Tyler Packer believes in family. The University of Calgary Dinos football team is grateful that the impressive offensive lineman does.

“The family atmosphere both at my home and with the football team is what I liked,” stated the CFC Top 100 in making his decision to remain at home after making recruiting visits to the University of Saskatchewan and British Columbia in Canada West as well as York University.

“Calgary has a great atmosphere with the coaches I know. By remaining in Calgary, I know what I am getting into,” stated Packer who saw the Dinos practice on several occasions and attended many of their games this past year.

Packer wanted to remain in Canada West. “Canada West is a great league to play in,” stated the 6’5”, 270 lbs. offensive tackle.

A product of the Hilltoppers organization in the Calgary Minor Football Association Tyler won numerous awards as a youth player including winning the Aaron Neidergesaess Heart of a Champion Award in 2013 and 2016 and their Rookie of the Year in 2014. Packer also was starting member of the Hilltoppers Division II City Championship team and a Calgary Midget Football Association all-star offensive tackle in 2015 and 2016.

Coach Wayne Harris is excited about Packer joining the Dinos. “Tyler is big, athletic offensive tackle. Not many players with his size possess the mobility that he has. He will have an outstanding future in U Sport football and I am elated to have him in our program,” Harris stated.

A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Tyler was a member of their Provincial Finalist team as a Grade 10 student and in 2015. He was a starting member along the offensive line in 2015 and 2016 playing for the Pride under Coach Dave Diluzio. Packer was league all-star this past year and his team’s Most Valuable Player.

Tyler recently competed for Canada’s U19 team that in Orlando, Florida in January 2017.

“Calgary has had a strong recruiting year and I want to be part of it,” added Packer.

In addition to playing competitive football at Notre Dame Tyler also starts on their basketball team.

Packer intends on taking either Arts or Sciences courses and is the son of Tammy Packer and John Masters.