Rita Mingo
The Calgary Herald
CALGARY — Having been declared university football player of the year on two occasions, one would assume that Erik Glavic would be eager to lift his game to another level.
Under the watchful eyes of the eight Canadian Football League teams, he got an opportunity to show just how he stacks up against other college talent in the country.
The University of Calgary quarterback, along with fellow Dino Anthony Woodson, took part in the CFL evaluation camp in Toronto a couple of weekends ago, in anticipation of the CFL college draft on May 2.
In all, 97 players went through rigorous paces as well as interviews with interested clubs.
“I was happy with the overall way it went,” said Glavic, Hec Crighton winner at Saint Mary’s in 2007 and again last season with the Dinos. “It was fun, getting to know some of the other guys. There were some top quality athletes there.”
The invitees had two days to strut their stuff, tested for strength, vertical jump, standing jump, 40-yard sprint and short shuttle.
The six-foot-five, 223-pound Glavic interviewed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the team his brother Sasha plays for.
The 24-year-old saw the experience as a great one — albeit not the only prospect for his future.
“That’s the sort of mentality I had . . . very businesslike,” the native of Pickering, Ont., explained.
“We’ll see how it goes. I’m thinking about school right now and then spring camp. If they give me an opportunity, we’ll talk about it then. I’m looking at the big picture. There are a lot of factors to weigh.”
One of the most important for Glavic is his part-time job with a natural gas company.
“It’s a good learning experience,” he said, “and I don’t want to waste it.”
Woodson, meanwhile, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father Anthony, who toiled as a linebacker for five seasons in the CFL.
“For me, it’s one of my life goals,” the running back/receiver said. “I’ve had time to think about it over the year and what I realize is that you’re so close to living out a dream, to do what you love and get paid to do it. And that’s play football.”
The 22-year-old Woodson is hoping 2010 won’t be more of what he’s endured the past two seasons, missing a number of games — including the Vanier Cup — with various ailments. There was concern he’d suffered another injury during the E-camp, but Woodson said he just ‘tweaked’ his foot. He’s meeting with doctors and it doesn’t appear to be anything to be too concerned about.
He was interviewed by five CFL squads: B.C., Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton.
“It was interesting for me, since I had missed so much time due to injury, so they wanted to see what I had to show,” the five-foot-11, 209-pounder said. “I think I demonstrated that I’m healthy again and that they should take a look at me.
“All I know is that there are 50 players all in their draft year and that each team has seven or eight picks. Hopefully I’ll get drafted and that would be a huge honour. Then maybe I can go to a CFL camp and try my best there.”
Courtesy: www.calgaryherald.com
