VANCOUVER – Apparently one game last season was more than enough for the BC Lions to spend their sixth round pick in the 2013 CFL Draft on UBC Thunderbirds defensive back Matt Walker.
The Vernon, BC native joined the Thunderbirds in 2012 and was expected to a big part of the team’s defence. Unfortunately, he suffered a major knee injury in the first game of the year and didn’t play again.
“I’m very excited for Matt,” said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. “Last year didn’t go according to plan, but he is a very talented player who will get an opportunity to go to camp with the Lions and try and prove he belongs.”
Walker joined the Thunderbirds after playing with the Okanagan Sun. Prior to that he spent two years at the University of Saskatchewan as a receiver.
“He is still very raw as a defensive player,” said Olson. “Obviously the Lions have spent time watching his development and are confident he can continue to make the transition to defence and eventually the CFL.”
The Lions are looking for a new starting safety after last year’s starter, Cauchy Muamba, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the off season.
In his one game last year against Manitoba, Walker had two solo tackles and an interception.
Linden Gaydosh, a defensive lineman with the Calgary Dinos, was selected first overall in the draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He and Walker were two of 13 players from the Canada West selected over seven rounds. Of the 60 players taken total, 45 were from CIS schools.
Source:Ā UBC Sports Information
Photo credit:Ā Bob Erid
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