David Moll
The Calgary Stampeders selected nine players in the 2014 CFL Draft on Tuesday including Laval offensive lineman Pierre Lavertu with the first overall selection.
The Stampeders acquired the top pick from the Ottawa Redblacks along with the rights to non-import offensive lineman Marwan Hage in exchange for non-import offensive lineman Jon Gott.
Calgary’s selections were:
Pierre Lavertu, OL, Laval (first round, first overall):
6.03, 300 lbs… Born: May 11, 1990… four-time Quebec conference all-star and a three-time CIS all-Canadian… member of the Rouge et Or’s Vanier Cup-winning squads in 2010, 2012 and 2013… part of an offensive line that allowed the Rouge et Or to lead the Quebec conference in 2013 with averages of 31.4 points and 216.6 rushing yards per contest.
Head Coach/GM John Hufnagel says: “We’re very pleased to select Pierre. We’re very impressed with his size and footwork and believe he has great potential at the pro level.
>> Video: Lavertu draft profile
>> Video: First overall draft pick
>> Video: Coach Huff talks about Lavertu
>> Video: Lavertu excited
>> Article: Calgary bound
Quinn Smith, DL, Concordia (first round, seventh overall):
6.02… 305 lbs… Born: Scarborough Ont… played seven games in 2013 and registered 13 tackles, three assisted tackles, one sack and five tackles for loss… played both offensive guard and defensive tackle… played at Birchmont Park CI before his time with Concordia
Defensive Coordinator Rich Stubler says: Quinn is the best defensive prospect in the draft. He looks great in drills — has movement, is very quick and powerful and uses his hands well.
>> Video: Seventh overall draft pick
Max Caron, LB, Concordia (second round, 16th overall):
6.02… 213 lbs… Kingston Ont. native… In 2013 he recorded 43.5 total tackles including six tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery… In 2012 he was second in the Quebec conference with 60 tackles and added two sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery… was the winner of the President’s Trophy as the outstanding defensive player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) in 2011… Was a 2011 CIS all-Canadian… Was a 2011 RSEQ all-star
Defensive Coordinator Rich Stubler says: He plays at 100 miles an hour all the time. I like his aggressiveness and attitude.
Special Teams Coordinator Mark Kilam says: He has a big frame, is an intelligent player and will finish blocks.
>> Video: Caron draft profile
>> Meet Max Caron
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OL, McGill (third round, 19th overall):
6.05… 315 lbs… native of St. Hilaire, QC… rated top prospect in the draft… started all eight games at offensive tackle as a senior in 2013…named the most outstanding lineman of the CIS this past year after switching from the defensive line in his sophomore year… won the J.P Metras Trophy as the top college lineman in 2013… one of only two CIS players to take part in the 89th East-West Shine Game in St. Petersburg, Florida this past January… two-time All-Canadian… selected in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive line coach Pat Del Monaco says: He shows a good combination of athleticism and toughness. He played both right and left tackle and switches between both with ease.
Adam Thibault, DB, Laval (third round, 24th overall): 
6.00… 195 lbs… Born in Quebec City, Que.,… registered 21 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles while helping Laval go 8-0 in 2013… Earned an invitation to the 2014 National Football League Super Regional Combine
Defensive Coordinator Rich Stubler says: I like his size and aggressiveness. He loves contact.
Defensive back coach Tony Missick says: He’s not afraid to throw his body around and does a good job blitzing off the edge
>> Video: Thibault draft profile
Joe Circelli, OL, Western (third round, 25th overall):
6.03… 285 lbs… from London Ont., … was part of an offensive line accountable for an Ontario University Athletics-best 1,806 yards rushing, helping the Mustangs go 8-0 in 2013… Was a second-team OUA all-star in 2013
Offensive line coach Pat Del Monaco says: He plays with an aggressive attitude, runs well and gets outside on the perimeter.
Derek Wiggan, DL, Queen’s (fourth round, 34th overall):
6.01… 254 lbs… Toronto native… 28 total tackles (nine solo) in 2013 along with three pass breakups, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles… named a first-team OUA all-star as a senior for the second consecutive season… ranked sixth in the nation in fumble recoveries in 2013… started all eight regular season games as a rookie… named to Team East for the 2013 East-West Bowl… ranked in the Top 15 among 2014 prospects by the FCS Scouting Bureau’s fall and winter editions
Tyler Crapigna, K/P, McMaster (fifth round, 40th overall):
5.07… 165 lbs… Born in Nepean, Ont.,… has kicked 60 field goals, six singles and 115 extra points for a total of 301 points in his four-year collegiate career with McMaster… Has 7,625 yards punting and 7,228 kickoff yards since 2010… Made 16 field goals on 19 attempts for an 84.0 field goal percentage en route to a 5-3 record with McMaster in 2013… he had a 36.0-yard punt average last season and had 11 punts inside the 20-yardline… Played at St. Paul’s Catholic high school before McMaster
>> Video: Crapigna draft profile
Brian Marshall, REC, Western (seventh round, 61st overall):
6.00… 200 lbs… Born in London, Ont…. Marshall played 26 games in his four-year collegiate career with the Mustangs, totaling 99 catches for 1,950 yards and 18 touchdowns… Tied for first among all Ontario University Athletics players in 2013 with nine touchdowns… 34 catches for 753 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games for the Mustangs in 2013… the previous season he led Western with 40 catches for 765 yards and six majors… son of former Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Greg Marshall
Receivers coach Pete Costanza says: He runs well, has good size and plays hard.
>> Video: Marshall draft profile
>> Getting to know Brian Marshall