CFL Scouting Bureau: Still 10 CIS players among Top 15 prospects

TORONTO (CFL / CIS) – The Canadian Football League’s Scouting Bureau published Tuesday its final list of top prospects for the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft set for Sunday, May 8.

As was the case last December, 10 CIS players are among the best 15 prospects.

After being ranked third overall in September and December, University of Calgary slotback Anthony Parker remains the most highly-touted CIS hopeful and moves up to No. 2 on the new list.

The native of Okotoks, Alta., is one of four Dinos to make the Top 15 along with wide receiver Nathan Coehoorn, who stays put at No. 7, running back Matt Walter, who holds on to the No. 14 spot, and previously unranked offensive lineman Paul Swiston, who finds his way to No. 15.

St. Francis Xavier linebacker Henoc Muamba, the reigning CIS defensive player of the year, makes the biggest jump in the new rankings. Following an impressive showing at the CFL Evaluation Camp in March, the native of Mississauga, Ont., climbs seven positions all the way to No. 3.

Rounding out the CIS representation are former Western Ontario defensive lineman Vaughn Martin, who drops two spots to No. 6; Alberta kicker Hugh O’Neill, who gains three places to No. 8; Queen’s offensive lineman Matthew O’Donnell, who slides three positions to No. 11; previously unranked Bishop’s defensive tackle Junior Turner, now at No. 12; as well as Concordia O-lineman Anthony Barrette, who stays put at No. 13.

Martin, who last played for Western in 2008, was a fourth-round draft pick (113th overall) of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers in 2009 and has spent the past two seasons with the team.

There is a new top-ranked player on the final Scouting Bureau list as Rice University offensive lineman Scott Mitchell overtakes fellow O-lineman Philip Blake of Baylor at No. 1.

The 2011 CFL Canadian Draft kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on May 8. The first two rounds will be broadcast on TSN and the results from the remaining four rounds will be available through real-time updates on CFL.ca.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers currently hold the top pick. The last time the Blue Bombers selected first in the Canadian Draft was in 1975.

A year ago, former Queen’s defensive lineman Shomari Williams became the fourth straight CIS player – and the eighth in 11 years – to be selected first overall in the CFL Canadian Draft when his name was called by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The CFL’s Scouting Bureau is comprised of CFL scouts, player personnel directors and general managers from the league’s eight teams.

CFL release: [url]http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-prospects-april-2011-rankings
For more info: [url]http://www.cfl.ca/page/ecamp-scouting-bureau_april_2011

CFL SCOUTING BUREAU APRIL 5, 2011 LIST:

Rank – Name – University – Hometown – Pos. – Ht. – Wt. – (prev. rank)

1. Scott Mitchell Rice Ottawa, Ont. OL 6-4 295 (2)
2. Anthony Parker Calgary Okotoks, Alta. SB 6-2 215 (3)
3. Henoc Muamba StFX Mississauga, Ont. LB 6-0 230 (10)
4. Philip Blake Baylor Toronto, Ont. OL 6-3 315 (1)
5. Tyler Holmes Tulsa Ottawa, Ont. OL 6-4 305 (5)
6. Vaughn Martin Western London, Ont. DL 6-4 330 (4)
7. Nathan Coehoorn Calgary Redcliff, Alta. WR 6-2 220 (7)
8. Hugh O’Neill Alberta Edmonton, Alta. K 6-2 185 (11)
9. Marco Iannuzzi Harward Calgary, Alta. WR 6-1 195 (NR)
10. Moe Petrus Connecticut St. Laurent, Que. OL 6-2 292 (6)
11. Matthew O’Donnell Queen’s Kingston, Ont. OL 6-10 329 (8)
12. Junior Turner Bishop’s Brampton, Ont. DT 6-3 230 (NR)
13. Anthony Barrette Concordia Verdun, Que. OL 6-5 320 (13)
14. Matt Walter Calgary Calgary, Alta. RB 5-10 210 (14)
15. Paul Swiston Calgary Calgary, Alta. OL 6-9 342 (NR)