Kevin Mitchell
The Leader-Post
REGINA — Professional football was never a career choice for Patrick Neufeld; not until he started throwing his weight around Griffiths Stadium.
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ all-star offensive tackle, who grew up in Regina, didn’t play organized football until Grade 11. But today in Toronto, he’ll step in front of scouts and front-office types from across the CFL and try to show them why he deserves to get chosen in the upcoming player draft.
Neufeld is one of three Huskies — the others are kicker/defensive back Grant Shaw and defensive back Jon Krahenbil — showing their goods at the CFL evaluation camp.
“I went to Rider games growing up, but I was never a huge football fan until I actually started playing,” says the 6-foot-6, 296-pound Neufeld, who earned Canada West all-star honours this past season.
“But the last couple of years, I’ve been thinking about playing pro football and it’s become a realization. It’s pretty exciting (to be at the combine), and a little overwhelming, too, to be honest.”
Neufeld played both lines in high school and joined the Huskies as a defensive lineman. He red-shirted in 2006 after joining the program and was moved to the offensive line the following season. He’s flourished since then.
Neufeld went through testing and interviews Friday night, and performs a variety of on-field tasks for evaluators today. He says his goals for the weekend are simple.
“I want to show my athleticism, mostly,” Neufeld said. “I want to show I’m an athletic and intelligent football player who*is ready to work hard.”
Shaw, who played junior football with the Edmonton Huskies, enters camp as a two-position athlete. He hit 25 of 31 field-goal attempts last season and punted for a 38.1-yard average. Defensively, he recorded 24.5 tackles and two interceptions from his cornerback position.
Krahenbil, a second-team all-Canadian, collected 25 tackles and six interceptions last season. He played junior football with the Regina Thunder.
Courtesy: www.leaderpost.com
