Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats made four selections in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft on Wednesday, adding some gifted players to an already impressive array of Canadian talent.
With the first overall selection, the Ticats selected Saskatchewan defensive back Dylan Barker. The 6-4, 200-pound native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is a two-time CIS first-team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star. Last season, Barker led the Huskies with 53 tackles, three interceptions and four pass knockdowns.
The Black and Gold used their second first-round selection (8th overall) on Sherbrooke wide receiver Samuel Giguere. Giguere, a 6-0, 215-pound native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, was named a CIS first-team All-Canadian and a QUFL All-Star last season after recording 45 receptions for 871 yards and seven touchdowns. Giguere signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts on April 27.
In the third round, the Cats added Queen’s running back Mike Giffin with the 17th overall pick. The 6-0, 235-pound native of Kingston, Ontario led the OUA in rushing last season and was named a CIS first-team All-Canadian. In eight games last season, Giffin carried the ball 197 times for 1,206 yards and 13 touchdowns while making 23 receptions for 352 yards and four touchdowns.
The Ticats used their fifth round (33rd overall) pick on Laval wide receiver Laurent Lavigne-Masse. Last season, Lavigne-Masse recorded 33 receptions for 448 yards and nine touchdowns and was named a CIS first-team All-Canadian as well as a QUFL All-Star.
“Today was a great day for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats,” said general manager Bob O’Billovich. “We thought that Dylan (Barker) and Samuel (Giguere) were the top two players in the draft. Mike (Giffin) is a tough hard-nosed running back with great size and speed who has the potential to play special teams and develop into good fullback in this league. Laurent (Lavigne-Masse) was an impressive CIS player and has an opportunity to turn some heads in training camp.”
The Ticats then traded their sixth-round (41st overall) selection to Saskatchewan in exchange for future considerations.
About the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a rich 139-year history, which includes 43 Canadian Football Hall of Famers and 15 Grey Cup Championships. For more information log onto www.ticats.ca
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