The NFL Scouting Combine, where more than 300 of the highest-level pro-football prospects will try to sprint, leap and talk their way into North America’s biggest sports league, is now just a handful of days away. But for those who didn’t secure an invite the dream is hardly dead. In fact, there’s a group of talented Canadians looking to follow in the footsteps of their countrymen to the NFL through a path less traveled: regional combines.
Current Canuck NFLers Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Stefan Charles and Carolina Panthers offensive lineman David Foucault each began their respective journeys to the league through the smaller, lesser-known gatherings of execs and scouts.
In 2013 Charles, an Oshawa, Ont., native, had a strong performance at an NFL regional combine in Tampa and parlayed that into an invite to a Super Regional in Dallas. Thanks in part to that exposure, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans and then eventually landed in Buffalo.
Foucault—standing a towering six-foot-eight—has a similar story. Last year he jumped from the Tampa regional to one in Detroit, and through that exposure earned invites to three rookie minicamps. He eventually landed in Carolina, where he was active for five games in his rookie season and made one start.
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“Several years ago I recognized that the NFL regional combines were a good route for Canadians to get maximum exposure,” says player agent Darren Gill, who represents Charles and Foucault.
Adds Rob Fry, an agent at Gil Scott Sports Management, “All-Star games, school pro days, and the NFL Combine help a lot with the NCAA scouting process. [But] Canadian university prospects for the most part miss out on those extra opportunities to get in front of NFL scouts. The regional combines have become a great opportunity for talented Canadian prospects to be seen and evaluated in person by all 32 teams.”
This year, there are eight Canadian university products trying to turn a regional invite into an NFL opportunity: Simon Fraser’s Lemar Durant and Bobby Pospischil, Manitoba’s Nic Demski, Western’s Daryl Waud, Montreal’s Byron Archambault, Wilfrid Laurier’s Dillon Campbell, and Laval’s Danny Groulx and Christophe Normand.
The eight are split between events in Houston (Feb. 14), Denver (Feb. 21) and Baltimore (Feb. 28), but all will take aim at securing an invite to the NFL Super Regional Combine to be held March 21 at the Arizona Cardinals team facility. Here’s a closer look at the eight NFL hopefuls, prior to the biggest month of their lives.
1) Nic Demski
Manitoba
Receiver
Demski became the first player in Manitoba Bisons history to be named a CIS All-Canadian four times. He was a dangerous playmaker during his university career. The Winnipeg native is tough, smooth and one of the most pro-ready receivers to come from a CIS school in a while. NFL teams have asked for Demski’s tape to take a closer look.
2) Daryl Waud
Western
Defensive lineman
At one time Waud was a high-level box lacrosse player and that helped him develop agility that transferred to the football field. So it’s no surprise he’s been referred to as a phenomenal athlete for his position. Waud was one of two CIS players to play in the 90th East-West Shrine Game in January against NCAA competition, which put him on NFL scouts’ radars.
3) Byron Archambault
Montreal
Linebacker
The 2014 RSEQ Defensive Player of the Year is a tough, instinctual, true middle linebacker. Archambault was the leader of a stingy Carabins defence and played a crucial role in helping Montreal capture the 2014 Vanier Cup. He needs to show well in the agility drills to make NFL player decision makers take a deeper interest.
4) Dillon Campbell
Wilfrid Laurier
Running back
Campbell led the CIS with 1,458 rushing yards in 2014. He is a strong between-the-tackles runner and catches the football well. A fast 40-yard dash will be crucial to gaining real NFL attention.
5) Danny Groulx
Laval
Offensive lineman
Groulx brings a big presence and physical style to the football field. Athletic offensive linemen with his size do not come around often. NFL evaluators will want to see natural knee bend and clean, efficient footwork from Groulx.
6) Christophe Normand
Laval
Fullback
Physically Normand is built to play fullback, but he has a running back’s skillset to boot. He’s also stronger and more athletic than he might look. NFL scouts just might be more intrigued about his potential as a fullback after seeing him in person.
7) Lemar Durant
Simon Fraser
Receiver
One of the most physically gifted Canadian receiver prospects in years. Durant has a rare combination of size, strength and speed that fits the mold of today’s NFL targets. Many NFL scouts have been requesting Durant’s game film. Playing against NCAA Division II competition should boost his stock when scouts watch his tape.
8) Bobby Pospischil
Simon Fraser
Receiver
A quick, productive pass catcher, Pospischil recorded 237 receptions during his career with the Clan. He needs to prove he has the elite short-area movement skills necessary to get scouts believing he can play in the slot in the NFL.