Draft memories: Shologan and Woldu

Defensive tackle Keith Shologan and defensive back Paul Woldu share similar sentiments despite different experiences in the 2008 CFL draft.

Shologan, a native of Edmonton and graduate of Central Florida, was a first-round pick (fourth overall) by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Woldu, a Regina product who played with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, was selected in the fifth round (36th overall) by the Montreal Alouettes. Both players have emerged as productive members of their respective teams.

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“Watching the draft was pretty exciting because I had been told that I would be a top draft pick,” Shologan said from Edmonton, where he spends the off-season. “I had other dreams but if that didn’t work out, I wanted to be somewhere in the West. Basically you don’t have any say in where you end up but it was exciting to know that Saskatchewan picked me.”

Woldu had to wait to share in those feelings. He bided his time while working out in a local gym.

“I figured I wasn’t going to get any bigger, stronger or faster sitting in front of my computer screen waiting to hear my name called,” said Woldu, who was a member of the Regina Thunder before joining the Huskies for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. “It was an anxious time and it was the longest workout of my life by the time the draft was done and I got called.”

It’s a similar call that all prospects will get when Sunday’s six-round CFL draft takes place (10 a.m., TSN). Woldu was working at a local football camp during last year’s draft. It brought back thoughts of his feelings in 2008 and an appreciation for what those players were going through.

“Back then, I was so focused on just trying to get a chance to play,” said the 25-year-old Woldu. “Now that my time is over, I get excited for a lot of the other guys. It was fun to see the dreams of other people come true.”

The Roughriders selected Shologan even though they knew that he had signed a free-agent contract with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. When Shologan was released before training camp, he made the trip to Regina.

It was a wait that paid off for the Riders. Shologan dressed for one game in 2008 and was promoted to a starter in 2009 when Scott Schultz retired. Shologan, 24, finished the 2009 regular season with 27 tackles and three sacks. He added four tackles in the Riders’ two playoff games.

“Being drafted takes some of the pressure off you,” said Shologan, a four-year starter at Central Florida. “It’s not so much as a backup plan but it’s nice knowing that even if you don’t make (an NFL) team, your career can go on.”

Woldu, who was a first-team CIS all-star in 2007 and attended the Riders’ 2006 training camp as a non-roster player, feels that just being drafted gives a player a chance.

“You could have a guy going in the first round to a team that isn’t as strong as one who might be picked later,” said Woldu, who had 34 special-team tackles in two seasons with the Alouettes. “It’s all about timing and the opportunity. I know that the ones picked in the earlier rounds have a better chance of staying. As time went on in the draft, I kept hoping and it gave me a little bit more fire. I used that as motivation because there were four other guys in camp drafted ahead of me. I was fine with it. My goal was to make the team.”

Shologan and Woldu appreciate the opportunity that comes with being selected.

“Team-wise it doesn’t mean a thing,” said Shologan. “When you’re talking with guys, it’s always nice to know that you were picked first. You also get harassed and picked on a bit more but it’s definitely worth it.”

Woldu said there is a special feeling of accomplishment that comes with being drafted.

“There aren’t a lot of picks so someone in that organization was willing to take a chance on you and they truly believe in what you can do,” said Woldu. “That’s the same if you’re the first-round pick or the last guy selected. It’s exciting to know that people are willing to invest their time and money in you.”

By Rob Vanstone