Trent Williams
WesternMustangs.ca
LONDON, Ont. — The Western Mustangs will be well represented at the 2010 Canadian Football League (CFL) Evaluation Camp, as three members of the team were selected to participate and strut their stuff for CFL scouts starting on March 12.
Versatile defensive lineman Chris Greaves (Mississauga, Ont.) seen time at both Defensive End and Defensive Tackle this season. The fourth-year Mustang put up impressive numbers this past season with 23.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Greaves was named to the East-West Bowl but could not compete due to injury. Growing up in Toronto, he was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier where he was named athlete of the year in 2005 and received a GTA Top 35 football player honour from the Toronto Star. He’s one of just eight defensive linemen selected to compete at the camp.
Outside Linebacker Conor Elliott (London, Ont.) was a key part of the defence for the Western Mustangs being counted on to cover bother weak and strong side in various situations throughout the season. Elliott’s 44.5 tackles were second on the Mustangs this season, they go along with two forced fumbles and four interceptions. Elliott is a former captain of the London Falcons in 2005 and 2006, he was an All-Ontario MVP in 2005 and has numerous high school awards and accolades from club football. He was named to 2009 East-West Bowl at TD Waterhouse Stadium and the Oakridge High School grad is one of nine Linebackers selected to this year’s E-Camp.
Josh Buttrill (Barrie, Ont.) rounds out the Mustangs showcasing at the camp this season. The Offensive Tackle is a graduate of Bear Creek Secondary School where he captained the Kodiaks. He played club ball with the Huronia Stallions and in 2005 he was named Lineman of the Year and was the 2003 Rookie of the Year. The Offensive Tackle is one of 11 total offensive linemen invited to the camp.
Western Mustangs Quarterback Michael Faulds will not be competing at the E-Camp due to injury.
The Toronto Argonauts are bound to be the most interested observers when members of the 2010 Canadian Draft class showcase their skills at the Canadian Football League (CFL) Evaluation Camp. The Argos have the first overall pick in the May 2nd Canadian Draft that CFL scouts are touting as one of the strongest in years.
The E-Camp puts draft eligible Canadian prospects through a series of speed and strength tests as well as football drills.
It kicks off Friday afternoon with player arrivals and team interviews and continues through Sunday afternoon at the Varsity Centre at the University of Toronto and the Park Hyatt Toronto Hotel.
“It’s a truism in our league that great teams are built on great Canadian talent, so this is a very important event for our teams’ scouts, personnel directors, general managers and coaches,” says Commissioner Mark Cohon.
“It’s a critical step for tremendous, young Canadian athletes who aspire to play in the CFL and an important opportunity for teams who aspire to compete for the Grey Cup.”
This year’s camp also provides some Canadian quarterbacks an opportunity to throw to receivers and backs under the watchful eyes of CFL scouts and managers.
Hec Creighton Trophy winner quarterback Erik Glavic from the University of Calgary, 2009 Vanier Cup Champion quarterback Danny Brannagan from Queen’s and University of Guelph QB Justin Dunk are expected to attend.
While the quarterbacks have already been through the draft and are now free agents, the CFL invited them to E-Camp to provide a further opportunity to showcase their talents.
This year’s camp shows the strength of Canadian University football, as 54 of the 58 E-Camp invitees are from CIS programs.
“E-Camp is all about hope, with players hoping to impress, and teams hoping to improve,” Cohon said. “It’s an early sign that a new season, featuring new and exciting talent, is fast approaching. And that makes it special for all of us who love the CFL and Canadian football.”
The 2010 CFL regular season kicks Canada Day Weekend, with the Alouettes visiting Regina and the Argos visiting Calgary on July 1st, the Tiger-Cats visiting Winnipeg on July 2nd, and the Lions playing in Edmonton on July 4th.
