By Tim Switzer,
Regina Leader-Post
Chris Bauman thinks he has worn a University of Regina Rams jersey for the last time.
The 22-year-old wide receiver is expected to be a high pick in Wednesday’s CFL Canadian Draft and most observers expect him to make a dress or practice roster of a CFL team.
“It should happen that way, but you never know,” Bauman said Sunday prior to the Rams spring camp scrimmage. “Jason Clermont was supposed to go one or two, but he didn’t go until four. You just have to be ready for it and take it with a grain of salt.”
Bauman’s stock rose dramatically over the last eight months. He led all Canadian Interuniversity Sport receivers last season with 923 yards on 42 catches — 10 of them for touchdowns — and was named an All-Canadian.
At the CFL combine in March, he impressed pro teams even further. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Bauman ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, had a vertical jump of 37 inches and shone during one-on-one drills, catching eight of nine passes.
A knock against Bauman is that he isn’t the most physical receiver coming out of college.
As the draft approaches and talk of Bauman’s prospects grow, many would be overwhelmed by the attention, but the Brandon product is having no trouble staying grounded.
“My parents keep me a little humble about it,” said Bauman. “They bring me back down, but we’re all excited.”
As hard as it is to stay humble when you’re about to become a household name for CFL fans, it’s even tougher when you start working out for NFL teams.
Bauman worked out briefly for Cal Murphy, the Regina-based scout for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Bauman ran routes for about 10 minutes, catching passes from Rams quarterbacks Teale Orban and Marc Mueller. Afterwards, Bauman was thrilled with the chance, but didn’t think much would come of it.
“I didn’t think that would ever happen,” Bauman said, chuckling. “I need a couple years in the CFL. I’m a little behind some of those guys in the States, but I think some time in the CFL will change that around pretty quickly.”
Barring a trade, it’s unlikely that Bauman will be drafted by either of his “home” teams. Neither the Saskatchewan Roughriders (ninth overall) or the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11th overall) have a first-round pick.
Ideally, Bauman would like to stay in the West after the draft, but said he would be happy wherever he ends up.
There’s a good chance Bauman won’t be the lone Ram selected on draft day. There are a few more draft prospects, including 24-year-old slotback Chris Getzlaf, who was also named a 2006 All-Canadian.
Getzlaf, 6-foot-0 and 208 pounds, was third in the CIS with 786 receiving yards on 41 catches last season while also scoring nine touchdowns. He ran a 4.75-second 40 and registered a vertical jump of 34 inches at the combine.
“Before I was thinking that I want to go high (in the draft), but the more I think about it, I’m totally satisfied with just going to the CFL,” said Getzlaf, who was sporting a CFLPA Pro Players T-shirt while watching Sunday’s scrimmage. “All you have to do is make it to a camp and you can show them what you can do there whether you’re first round or sixth round.”
Other Rams players that could be on CFL radars come Wednesday include: linebacker Steve Wilson, defensive halfback Steve Ryan, offensive lineman Ryan Ackerman and cornerback Joel Lipinski.
Bauman and Getzlaf have CIS eligibility and could return to the Rams, but head coach Frank McCrystal is just as happy to see them move on.
“They moved through the program and the program has got them to a place that they’re now going to have a greater opportunity so that’s a plus,” said McCrystal. “It’s also a plus because when others see that, they’re encouraged to seek out this program and recognize that this program is a means to prepare them.”
The draft is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET and will be webcast live at www.cfl.ca.
