CFL CALLS TWO GAITERS TUESDAY NIGHT
The ‘Bishop’s Columbia’ Lions once again liked what they saw from a Bishop’s Gaiters prospect. Already boasting a pair of former Gaiters, Shawn Gore and Stephen Adekolu, the B.C. Lions selected Adrian Clarke with the 32nd overall pick in the CFL Draft on Tuesday night.
Two rounds later reigning Bishop’s Gaiters defensive player of the year Justin Warden was selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Clarke, a physical specimen at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds is listed at linebacker. The athletic Mississauga native tested well after earning a direct invite to the 2015 CFL Combine held in Toronto in March.
Watch the B.C. Lions discuss their draft picks, including Clarke: http://www.bclions.com/video/index/id/109971
“The thing I like about Adrian Clarke is he is a football player who likes to contribute,” said Neil McEovy Director of Player Personnel for the B.C. Lions. “He’s a player who has the body type you want for play special teams.
“I can’t say exactly what it is,” said Bishop’s Gaiters head coach Kevin Mackey when asked about the relationship the Gaiters seem to have with the B.C. Lions. “They must like what we do and the type of football player and people that come out of this program.”
The Ottawa native Warden was not as highly touted as Clarke. He competed in the Montreal Regional CFL Combine but was not at the national combine. The versatile player who suited up both at linebacker and safety in 2014 for the Gaiters turned enough heads with his on-field performance in the season. He led Bishop’s in tackles amassing 51.5. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected Warden with their sixth pick in the draft, making him the 46th overall selection.
Watch the Winnipeg Blue Bombers discuss their draft picks, including Warden:
http://www.bluebombers.com/video/index/id/110011
“Justin Warden is a high energy guy,” said Kyle Walters, General Manager of Football Operations for the Blue Bombers. “He just runs around and hits people. He reminds me of Dan West also from (Bishop’s). He will push guys for a role on special teams.”
“Warden is a guy who can and will contribute as needed,” said Mackey. “He’s a great team guy and I’m really happy for him to get a shot in Winnipeg. I think he will compete and turn a lot of heads at training camp.”
“It’s great for our program to be recognized at the CFL level. Sure we potentially lose two great players but I think we have been working towards this. We have good depth,” Mackey added. “Both Adrian and Justin are guys who can compete at that level and play on Friday nights.”
Clarke and Warden will sign contracts and report to their respective training camps at the end of the Month while Mackey and the Gaiters continue to work in the offseason and prepare for the 2015 campaign. For everything on the Bishop’s Gaiters stay tuned to www.gaiters.ca.
