It was a record-setting performance for the Windsor Lancers. Tuesday’s Canadian Football League Draft saw six Lancers taken in the eight-round draft. That broke the old mark set a year ago when the Lancers had four players selected, which beat the old mark of three that was set in 2016.
Two other local players were also among the 74 players taken in the draft. “To have six student-athletes selected speaks volumes,” Lancers’ head coach Jean-Paul Circelli said. “It shows the rest of the country that Windsor is a special place, that develops great talent and that we’re building the right way.” Defensive back Ethan John was the first Lancer off the board when the Toronto Argonauts took him in the second round with the 16 th pick overall.
“I’m grateful to be the first (Lancer) off the board,” the 24-year-old John said. A Minnesota native, John admits he came to Windsor hoping it would one day lead to a pro opportunity, but he admits adjusting to the Canadian game wasn’t easy. “I played corner (in high school) and when I got to Windsor, I went to halfback and was not used to the waggles,” John said of receivers in motion.
“I got beat pretty bad my first spring camp. “The Canadian game’s a lot tougher on defensive backs, but it helped me learn spatial awareness and leverage. I really like the Canadian game.” Running back Liam Talbot was selected by the Montreal Alouettes in the fourth round with the 37 th pick overall.
The five-foot-11, 210-pound Talbot, who can also do returns, missed much of the first half of last season battling an injury, but was confident he would be selected. “I was not worried (about being drafted) after I got the call that I got invited to the (CFL) Combine,” the 22-year-old Talbot said. “God is good.” Montreal also went back to Windsor in the fifth round to take defensive back Harrison Daley with the 46 th pick overall.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to be selected by such a great organization,” Daley said. “They’re getting a physical and relentless player. I’m looking forward to getting to work and contributing to the team’s success.” The British Columbia Lions took Windsor receiver Tyriq Quayson in the sixth round with the 49 th pick overall.
Quayson was a transfer to the Lancers, who also ran track and field at Laurier before coming to Windsor. The Toronto Argonauts took Lancers’ running back Weagbe Mombo in the eighth round with the 67 th pick overall. “I’m just so happy to even see my name called, let alone be able to be selected by my hometown CFL team,” the five-foot-11, 215-pound Mombo said.
“Getting the call, my heart dropped. I saw the 647 area code number and I knew it was Toronto.” Two picks later, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made Lancers record-setting kicker Brady Lidster the 69 th pick overall. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to work,” Lidster said.
Brennan high school product and former Essex Ravens tight end Dante Daniels was the first area player off the board. The Blue Bombers paid big sending the 13 th pick overall along with a second-round pick in 2027 to Ottawa to move up three spots to take Daniels with the first pick of the second round at No. 10 overall.
“Honestly, I had some idea I might go somewhere early, but it was a blessing from God,” the six-foot-five, 272-pound Daniels said. “I’m excited to show what I have.” Daniels played at Butler Community College before moving on to play at North Carolina State University and provides the Blue Bombers with a versatile and physical option “I think with my ability to be on the (offensive) line or be a fullback or mismatch on a linebacker for catching the ball,” the 24-year-old Daniels said. Holy Names high school product and former Raven Cyrus McGarrell went to the Alouettes, who took the Northern Illinois University defensive back in the seventh round with the 64 th pick overall.
“I’m happy with where I’m going and blessed that Montreal was able to take that chance on me and I can’t wait to continue my football journey there,” the six-foot-one, 201-pound McGarrell said. jpparker@postmedia.com Twitter.com/@winstarparker
