Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca
Watching athletes accomplish impressive athletic feats always catches a sports fan’s attention. That’s why seeing players lifting heavy, jumping high and running fast at the Canadian Football League National Combine is highly entertaining.
Yes it’s true, “testing monsters” don’t always mean an individual can strap on the pads and be a CFL All-Star, but prospects do need to meet a certain athletic threshold to be able to play in the pros.
So let’s take a look at which players are the favourites to win the “sexy” combine events and also give you an idea of what prospects from each position group might stand out throughout the testing portion of the National CFL Combine.
Bench Press (225 pounds)
1) Bryon Archambault, LB, Montreal
Archambault didn’t attend the 2014 CIS East West Bowl, but he’s said to be aiming for the CFL Combine bench press record (47 reps by Michael Knill in 2011).
2) Christophe Normand, RB, Laval
Normand recorded 30 reps at the CIS 2014 East West Bowl.
3) Danny Groulx, OL, Laval
Groulx recorded 29 reps at the 2014 CIS East West Bowl.
4) Sean McEwen, OL, Calgary
McEwen recorded 27 reps at the 2014 CIS East West Bowl.
5) Sukh Chungh, OL, Calgary
Chungh recorded 27 reps at the 2014 CIS East West Bowl.
Fastest 40-yard time
1) Tevaughn Campbell, DB, Regina
Campbell won a silver medal at the 2015 CIS Track and Field Championships in the 60-metre dash with a time of 6.80 seconds. Also, he ran the fastest 40 with a time of 4.58 seconds at the 2014 CIS East West Bowl.
2) Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, RB, UNLV
Murray-Lawrence has a track background and reportedly ran in the 4.4s at his UNLV pro day.
3) Kahlen Brenning, DB, Regina
Branning ran a 4.55 40-yard time at the Edmonton Regional Combine.
4) Dexter Janke, DB, Okanagan Sun
Janke ran a 4.56 40-yard time at the Edmonton Regional Combine.
5) Addison Richards, REC, Regina
A big man who can run, Richards ran a 4.65 at the 2014 CIS East West Bowl.
Top all-around athletic testing “monsters” by position
Defensive Line
Ese Mrabure-Ajufo, Laurier
He’ll do some damage for sure and show lots of explosiveness.
Ettore Lattanzio, Ottawa
He has a non-stop motor on the field and that carries over to his training.
Linebacker
Adrian Clarke, Bishop’s
He’s got an unbelievable body and possesses lots of natural athleticism.
Adam Konar, Calgary
He should come in and put up strong testing results.
Defensive Back
Tevaughn Campbell, Regina
Campbell looks like he’s chiseled out of stone. Look for him to blow up the combine testing.
Chris Ackie, Laurier
He’s a physically good-looking player that has loads of athleticism.
Offensive Line
James Bodanis, Michigan State
He’s still raw as a football player, but from an overall testing standpoint Bodanis will move and run really well.
Sean McEwen, Calgary
McEwen is a smooth, athletic offensive lineman who likely will put up strong numbers for a big man.
Receiver
Lemar Durant, Simon Fraser
Especially from an explosive and strength standpoint Durant should test well.
Addison Richards, Regina
Richards is very athletic for a player his height and size.
Nic Demski, Manitoba
Demski is a polished athlete that oozes athleticism.
Andrew Johnson, Fort Lewis
He’s a kid that’s always really tested well – explosive athlete.
Running Back
Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, UNLV
Murray-Lawrence is absolutely shredded and should impress in all testing events.
Dillon Campbell, Laurier
An underrated athlete, Campbell has the ability to put up some strong numbers.
