By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com
Since the conclusion of Tuesday’s 2015 CFL Draft, head coach and general manager John Hufnagel as well as assistant general manager and director of player personnel John Murphy have weighed in on each of the Red and White’s eight selections.
Karl Lavoie, Laval, OL (1st round, 9th overall)
In first-round pick Karl Lavoie, Murphy sees a player who could slot into numerous positions along the offensive line.
“He’s a guy who played tackle and then moved inside last year and played at centre and guard during the CIS East West all-star game. He worked at out every position leading up to the draft and, for a Canadian offensive lineman, you want to see versatility.”
Going No. 9 overall, Lavoie hails from the CIS football powerhouse of Laval. Murphy realizes the significant asset of past success at the collegiate level when adding a new player to the roster.
“The Laval staff does a great job with their players and they’re competitive year in and year out for a championship, which is something we definitely put a lot of emphasis on. Bringing guys into our room who already have a solid work ethic and winning attitude is key.”
Lemar Durant, Simon Fraser, WR (2nd round, 18th overall)
Projected as a possible first-rounder, Durant was still available when the Stamps picked at the bottom of the second round.
“He’s a wide receiver and a very gifted athlete with good size and speed. He’s strong, with the ability to jump and catch the football with great body control,” said Hufnagel.
Tyler Varga, Yale, RB (3rd round, 19th overall)
Next up was Varga, who played at Western in 2011 before transferring to Yale for his final three seasons. Murphy points to his ability to also contribute as either a fullback or on special teams in addition to being a traditional tailback.
“He is currently with the Indianapolis Colts, but he was very excited to get drafted on Tuesday and said all the right things that you want to hear from a Canadian. He would be very excited to come join our team.”
Tevaughn Campbell, Regina, DB (3rd round 22nd overall)
A defensive back out of Regina with blazing speed, Campbell could potentially compete for playing time with second-year DB Adam Thibault.
“He had an NFL look at a free-agent workout camp and we feel that he can come in and compete and hopefully develop over a number of years. In the meantime, we believe he can be effective on special teams, especially at the gunner position because of his speed,” Hufnagel explained.
William Langlais, Sherbrooke, FB (3rd round, 27th overall)
The Stampeders’ third selection in the third round, Langlais is listed at fullback and Murphy considers him a special teams standout.
“When you see how important Canadians Rob Cote and Tim St. Pierre have been to us in the last couple years, now you see an exciting competition brewing between William and Charlie Power.”
Dexter Janke, Okanagan Sun jrs., DB (5th round, 44th overall)
Without a pick in the fourth round, a Canadian junior football product was Calgary’s next selection. Janke spent last year with the Okanagan Sun after three seasons with the Saskatchewan Huskies.
“A very, very good athlete — the reason he fell that far (in the draft) was because of his past health with a couple of knee operations. He changed positions from running back to defensive back and had an extremely productive career with the Okanagan Sun. He’s a good hitter,” offered Hufnagel.
Aaron Picton, Regina, OL (6th round, 53rd overall)
The Stamps picked up a second offensive lineman in Picton.
“Over each of the last three years, his technique, athletic ability and work in the weight room have all improved,” Murphy remarked. “Throughout rookie camp and training camp, he’ll be able to provide depth at both centre and guard.”
Andrew Buckley, Calgary, QB (7th round, 62nd overall)
Both Hufnagel and Murphy marvelled at the fact that while attending training camp in 2014 with the Stampeders, Buckley demonstrated tremendous composure and a willingness to learn the intricacies of the game at the professional level.
“He was impressive. He didn’t get a whole lot of snaps in a team concept, but when he did, he kept his poise,” Hufnagel stated.
“He was selected a football player, not because he’s from Calgary or the awards he’s won or because we play in the same stadium as his college team,” cautioned Murphy. “He really got everybody’s attention in our training camp last year and was very involved in the classroom.”