****UPDATE MAY 8, 2015 @ 1:00PM EST****
During this past weekend’s NFL Draft, only one Canadian realized his dream as he heard his named called.
However, Canadians were very active after the draft.
CanadaFootballChat.com will do our best here to do a recap of who went where via draft, signings and tryouts.
COVINGTON ONLY CANADIAN DRAFTED:
On Saturday, the first and only Canadian was selected in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Christian Covington’s name was called in the sixth round (216th overall by the Houston Texans. Covington was back home surrounded by family when he learned the news.
The 6’3, 300 pound defensive tackle from Vancouver, British Columbia declared for the 2015 NFL Draft back in January.
Recently, Covington was a junior on NCAA Division 1 team, Rice Owls. However, the 2014 campaign with the Owls was a difficult one as he was sidelined for the last five games of the season as he sustained a knee injury.
While the defensive tackle underwent successful surgery on November 11th.
.@ccovingtondt taken 6th round 216 overall by Houston. First Canadian taken. Congrats big boy! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/6WQyGwWW5v
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) May 2, 2015
During his time with the Owls, Covington registered 122 tackles (78 solo and 44 assisted) as well as 13 sacks and 28 tackles for a loss. He has been recognized for his play on the field as he was selected as a first team All-Conference USA and also made the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honour Roll in 2013.
Additionally, he was named to the USA Today’s All-Bowl team during the 2012 season.
Previous to the Owls, Covington suited up for his high school team, Vancouver College Fighting Irish of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). He guided the Fighting Irish to an ‘AAA’ Championship Title and was recognized for his efforts on the field as he was named 2010 BC ‘AAA’ Provincial Defensive Player of the Year and 2010 BC ‘AAA’ Western Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Last month, Covington vaulted to the number 1 spot in the CFL’s Scouting Bureau’s final rankings prior to the 2015 Draft scheduled next week. 
VARGA INKS DEAL WITH COLTS:
While he didn’t hear his named called, it didn’t take long for an NFL team to scoop up Tyler Varga.
Soon after the conclusion of the draft, the Indianapolis Colts signed Varga to a free agent deal.
Varga experienced a roller coaster ride during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. Due to a minor bone spur, the 5’11, 224 pound running back from Kitchener, Ontario saw limited action as he was regulated to bench events. Varga was unable to complete in any jumping and running drills. In the bench press, the running back had 23 completions at 225 pounds. That result was ranked eighth among all participants.
This past January, Varga tallied two majors to power the North squad to a 34-13 victory over the South squad at the 2015 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
For the Ontario native, the performance at the Senior Bowl came on the heels of what has been a dream season.
Last month, Varga was selected as the recipient of the Bushnell Cup, given the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. This past season, Varga been selected as a First –Team All-Ivy League for the third time in his career, Gold Helmet as the Top Senior in New England, Swede Nelson Award (top scholar athlete) and National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar Athlete Award.
Proud to announce my signing with the @Colts! Thanks to my friends, family and fellow Canadians for sharing this moment with me! #blessed
— Tyler Varga (@TyVarga) May 2, 2015
In the 2014 season, the tailback rushed for 1,423 yards (an average of 6.1 yards per carry, 142 yards per game) in 10 games. He also set a team record with 26 touchdowns (22 rushing, four receiving).
During his career with the Bulldogs, Varga has amassed 2,985 rushing yards on 529 carries and 31 rushing touchdowns. The Ontario native has reached the 200 rushing yard plateau on three occasions and the 100 yard mark more than 17 times.
He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as NCAA FBS Offensive Player of the Year as well as the William Campbell Trophy which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies community service, academic and football.
Previous to the Bulldogs, Varga has suited up north of the border for the Western Mustangs where he was CIS Rookie of the Year in 2011. He played high school football for Cameron Heights Golden Gaels of the Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA).
Varga ranked fourth in CFL Scouting Bureau’s final rankings for the 2015 Draft which will be held next week.
NY GIANTS TAKING FLYERS OUT ON MULTIPLE CANADIANS:
A number of Canadians received invitations to the New York Giants mini-camp:
- SUKH CHUNGH:
This past season, the 6’4, 203 pound offensive lineman from Coquitlam, British Columbia was selected as a CIS Second Team All-Canadian after completing his fourth season with the Calgary Dinos.
Previous to the Dinos, Chungh was with the Terry Fox Ravens of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).
In last month’s final CFL scouting rankings, he ranked sixth.
***NEWLY ADDED – ADDISON RICHARDS****
Last month, Richards was ranked 12th in the Final CFL Scouting Bureau Bureau Rankings.
In February,the the 6’5, 205 pound wide receiver from Regina, Saskatchewan participated in the 90th East-West Shrine Bowl Game in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In 2014, Richards set two records with his CIS team. Regina Rams – receiving yards with 916 and catches (55).
Among the honours he received during his time with the Rams include First-Team All-Canadian (2014), Canada West All-Star (2014, 2013), Second-Team All-Canadian (2013) and Academic All-Canadian (2011-2012)
***NEWLY ADDED – EVAN GILL***
Defensive lineman Evan Gill tore his ACL this past fall and had to sit out the remainder of the CWUAA season. He sustained the injury during the first half of the Manitoba Bisons’ disappointing 42-41 loss to the Calgary Dinos.
The 6’3, 280 pound from Winnipeg, Manitoba was chosen ninth in the 2014 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Previous to the Bisons, Gill suited up for Churchill Bulldogs of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL).
***NEWLY ADDED – CHRIS ACKIE***
The 6’3, 216 pound defensive back (safety) from Cambridge, Ontario was recently ranked 11th in the CFL’s Final Scouting Brueau Rankings prior to the May12th draft.
In March’s CFL National Combine, Ackie set a record 10’11.50′ broad jump measurement and also had the highest vertical with 40′.
With the Wilfird Laurier Golden Hawks, Ackie has received many honours including CIS First Team All-Canadian (2014),
OUA First Team All-Star (2014) and OUA Second Team All-Star (2013).
Previous to the Golden Hawks, Ackie suited up for Preston Panthers of the Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA).
***NEWLY ADDED – DANNY GROULX****
Last month, Groulx was the highest ranked CIS prospect to be ranked in the CFL’s Final Scouting Bureau rankings. He took the fifth spot.
In March, he was the third Canadian invited to the NFL Super Regional Combine (Ron Omara and Sukh Chungh were the other two).
The 6’6, 325 offensive lineman from Gatineau, Quebec recently played for the Laval Rouge et Or. He led the Rouge et Or two consecutive Vanier Cup victories (2012, 2013).
Previous to the Rouge et Or, Groulx completed a stint with CEGEP Division 1’s Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars.
*** NEWLY ADDED – RON OMARA****
In March, Omara was one of three Canadians to receive an invite to the NFL Super Regional Combine.
Omara has played at the linebacker position for the St.FX X-Men for the past four seasons. During his career with the X-Men, he has racked up 158 tackles (121 solo, 74 assisted), 16 tackles for a loss, recorded six sacks, five forced fumbles and caught four interceptions in 26 games played.
Previous to the X-Men, the 6’2, 240 pound native of Aylmer, Quebec played for the Ottawa Sooners of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).
Throughout his career, the linebacker has received several honours including CIS Second-Team All-Canadian (2013), CIS East-West Bowl invitation (2013), AUS Defensive Player of the Year (2013) and AUS All-Star (2013).
- BYRON ARCHAMBAULT:
In 2014, Archambault led the Montreal Carabins into history as the team won their first ever Vanier Cup. Among the honours the 6’0, 240 pound linebacker from Montreal, Quebec has received include an East-West Bowl invitation (2014), RSEQ Defensive Player of the Year (2014), CIS First Team All-Canadian (2014) as well as two consecutive RSEQ All-Star selections (2013, 2014).
Previous to the Carabins, Archambault enjoyed a successful career with CEGEP Division 1’s Vanier Cheetahs. During his time there, he guided the team to the Bol D’Or Championship (2010) as well as selected as CEGEP Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year (2009), CEGEP Rookie of the Year (2008) and two consecutive CEGEP Division 1 All-Star nods (2009, 2010).
In April’s CFL Scouting Bureau rankings, Archambault was ranked 14th after turning in a stellar performance at March’s combine where he set the new linebacker mark for reps with 41 (second best at a CFL Combine)
- LEMAR DURANT:
Back in December, Durant declared for the NFL Draft.
The 6’2, 231 pound wide receiver from Coquitlam, British Columbia racked up 389 yards on 29 receptions and tallied five majors for NCAA Division 2 team, Simon Fraser Clan.
During his time with the Clan, Durant has been named the team’s MVP and he has been previously selected as a First Team Great Northwest Atlantic Conference All-Star (2012). He came to the clan after transferring from NCAA Division 1’s Nevada Wolfpack.
Previously, Durant played for Centennial Centaurs of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).
In last month’s final scouting rankings from the CFL, Durant ranked eighth.
- JACOB RUBY:
The 6’7, 315 pound offensive tackle from London, Ontario recently suited up for NCAA Division 1 team, Richmond Spiders. This past season, Ruby was selected All-CAA Third-Team and Second-Team VaSID All-State.
Previous to NCAA, Ruby played for Fork Union Military Academy, Medway Cowboys of the Thames Valley Regional Athletic Association (TVRAA) and London Falcons.
- SEAN MCEWEN:
The 6’3, 290 pound offensive lineman from Calgary, Alberta was ranked 10th in last month’s CFL Scouting Bureau Rankings.
McEwan has played for the Calgary Dinos. During his time there, he has been named a CWUAA All-Star.
Previous to the Dinos, he has also suited up for the Notre Dame Pride of the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association (CSHSAA).
******UPDATE CAMPBELL GETS TWO CAMP INVITES****
Not only has Tevaughan Campbell gotten an invite to the Giants mini-camp, but news came on Friday he has also nabbed one to the Washington Redskins camp.
In March, the 6’0, 185 pound defensive back (cornerback) from Toronto, Ontario set a new CFL Combine electronic time record with a 4:36 40 yard dash.
Campbell was ranked 15th in the CFL Scouting Bureau’s final rankings.
Recently, he played for the Regina Rams. Previous to the Rams, Campbell suited up for Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Blue Devils of the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA).
MATEAS JETTING TO NEW YORK:
Alex Mateas received an invitation for the New York Jets camp.
The 6’4, 299 pound offensive lineman from Ottawa, Ontario was ranked fourth in CFL’s Final Scouting Bureau Rankings last month.
Mateas has suited up for NCAA Division 1 team, UCONN Huskies. He transferred to the Huskies after a stint with Penn State Nittany Lions.
BRIDGE HEADING TO DALLAS:
On Sunday, news emerged that Brandon Bridge would be attending the Dallas Cowboys mini-camp.
Last month, he became the first pivot to be ranked in the CFL Scouting Bureau Rankings as he placed 19th.
Bridge is 6’5, 235 pound quarterback from Mississauga, Ontario is a senior with the NCAA Division 1 team South Alabama Jaguars.
The pivot played two seasons with Alcorn State Braves (2010-11). As a freshman, he amassed 2,687 total offense yards as he guided the Braves to a 5-6 record. Bridge completed 150 passes in 291 attempts for 2,086 yards and 19 passing touchdowns. Additionally he rushed for 601 yards on 120 carries and had eight rushing touchdowns.
Previous to the Jaguars, Bridge suited up for St. Marcellinus Spirit of the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA).
BOYKO GOING TO PHILLY:
Also this past weekend, we learned that Brett Boyko got an invite to the Philadelphia Eagles mini-camp.
Last month, the 6’7, 310 pound offensive lineman from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was ranked second in the CFL’s FInal Scouting Report prior to the CFL Draft on May 12th.
At the NFL Combine, he did complete all testing at the – 5.6 second 40 yard dash, 25 inch vertical jump, 103 inch broad jump, 7.91 second cone-drill and 4.5 second 20 yard shuttle.
The invitation to the NFL Combine was a silver lining considering he could not participate in the Senior Bowl due to a shoulder injury.
Boyko recently completed his senior season with NCAA Division 1 team, UNLV Rebels. He has the distinction of being the first Canadian that joined the Rebels since British Columbia’s Andre Dubiellak did in 2000-2001. This past season, Boyko was one of three Canadians to suit up for the Rebels.
In 2014, he registered 37 pancake tackles and only allowed one sack while he started in 13 games for the Rebels.
Previous to the Rebels, Boyko suited up for St. Joseph’s Guardians of the Saskatoon Secondary School Athletic Directorate (SSSAD). He also played for the Arns Falcons of the Kinsmen Football League (KFL).
WAUD GETS TWO INVITES:
Daryl Waud has been given two invites to mini-camps from a pair NFL East teams.
Not only did he receive one from the New York Giants, but Washington Redskins confirmed he will be attending their camp as well.
The GIants have indicated on their website that Waud is a top prospect – “one of NFL.com’s top undrafted free agents following the NFL Draft”
In February, Waud participated in the 90th East-West Shrine Bowl Game in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In the 2014 OUA season, the 6’5, 270 pound defensive tackle from Hamilton, Ontario registered 14.5 tackles, three tackles for a loss, recorded three sacks and had two pass breakups in eight games with the Mustangs. He was selected as a CIS All-Canadian as well as an OUA All-Star for the third straight time.
Waud was ranked seventh in the CFL Scouting Bureau final rankings which were released in April.
DEMSKI TO ATTEND CLEVELAND CAMP:
This afternoon, Nic Demski received an invite to Cleveland Browns mini-camp.
In CFL’s Final Scouting Bureau Rankings, Demski was ranked ninth.
This past November, he guided the Bisons to the CWUAA Hardy Bowl Championship. In 2014, the 6’0, 215 pound slotback from Winnipeg, Manitoba made history as he was named a CIS Second Team All-Canadian – the first Bison to be selected on four CIS All-Canadian squads. Additionally, he was selected as a CWUAA All-Star in 2014.
Previous to the Bisons, the slotback suited up for the Oak Park Raiders of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL).
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