Ed Tait
Winnipeg Free Press
MEMO to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Please ensure the offensive-line prospect Eddie Steele first faces in rookie camp next month has been forewarned.
The University of Manitoba Bison defensive tackle, you see, is coming to Steeltown with his hard hat and lunch pail in tow and sporting a serious case of bad intent.
“I’m going into training camp with a vengeance,” Steele said Sunday, not long after the Ticats selected him in the third round, 22nd overall of the CFL Canadian Draft. “I was a little upset at first because I thought I was going to get drafted a little higher. But Hamilton’s going to be a good fit. I’m really excited to be going out there.”
Ranked among the top-10 prospects by most draft experts, Steele watched nervously as the first two rounds unfolded without commissioner Mark Cohon calling out his name. But in the third round, the Ticats made a deal — with Steele’s hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers — to move up to grab Steele, giving up the 28th overall pick and the rights to QB Alex Brink.
“The first two rounds definitely dragged on for me,” said Steele. “I thought I was going to be a high draft pick, right? But it wasn’t too, too bad. It’s so exciting. It’s a dream come true, it honestly is. I’m so blessed to be in the position that I’m in. I’m just glad for all the support I have with all my friends and family.”
The 21-year-old Steele was named a CIS second-team all-star last season, despite starting only six games due to injury. Interestingly, he follows in the footsteps of his father Leroy who was drafted 62nd overall by the Ticats in 1984.
No other Bisons were selected in the draft, although it’s possible running back Matt Henry, kicker Scott Dixon and linebacker Everton Black may sign as free agents before CFL camps open in June.
The Bisons, for the record, have now had more players selected in the draft since 2000 – – 27 — than any other school.
courtesy of www.winnipegfreepress.com
