University of Regina Rams Looking to Impress the Pros
By Greg Urbanoski
As some of the best draft-eligible Canadian collegiate football players arrive in Toronto, to show their wares for the Canadian Football League Evaluation Camp, two University of Regina Rams players will be among them.
Quarterback Teale Orban and offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte will take their place among those hoping to catch of the eyes of potential future employers as they jump, press, run, catch and throw their way onto the evaluation charts.
The appearance of Orban, a two-time Hec Creighton Award nominee, is notable because it marks the first time since 2004 quarterbacks have been invited to the evaluation camp. Former Saskatchewan Roughrider great Ron Lancaster recently had remarks transcripted on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats web-site on why there aren’t more Canadian quarterbacks in the CFL.
Lancaster said Canadian quarterbacks suffer from media be on the field and starting before they are fully ready. Lancaster argued Canadian quarterbacks do not take a talent backseat.
It’s a thought that Rams Head Coach Frank McCrystal shares.
While LaBatte is expected to be a high draft pick because of his strong offensive line play, the jury is out on whether or not a CFL team will take a chance and draft a quarterback and then groom him for a few years before taking a shot at a starter’s position.
The Rams have other draft-eligible players this year including running back Graham Mosoindz, defensive lineman Bjorn Person, fullback Sheldon Tillotson and defensive back Andrew Rumbaugh.
“I think Rumbaugh will be the sleeper of the CFL draft,” said McCrystal. “I’d say he’ll post better numbers than most, if not all, of the DBs in the CFL evaluation camp. He is fast, strong, able to jump and he can cover man-to-man very well. If Rumbaugh can keep his wits about him, he can surprise a lot of people.”
In addition to the CFL evaluation camp, the Rams will be sending three players to the East-West All Star game. Defensive lineman Stan van Sichem, defensive back Tamon George and linebacker Brandon Ganne will be the Rams representatives at the event featuring players soon entering their CFL draft-eligible year.
“These are all quality players and we are looking forward at how well they are going to do at the All Star Game,” said McCrystal. “It gives them an opportunity to measure how they are against the best in the country.”
With the Ram players taking part in various red-carpet football events around the country, it’s worth remembering the Rams spring camp will be held April 25-28 at the University of Regina campus.
