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.