Seahawks select Ontario’s Willson in fifth round of NFL Draft

An Ontario gridiron star is one step closer to playing in the NFL.

The Seattle Seahawks have selected Luke Willson in the fifth round  (158th  overall) of the NFL Draft this afternoon.

The 6’5 250 pound tight end from LaSalle, Ontario recently played for NCAA Division 1 football team, the Rice Owls.  During his time with the Owls, Willson converted from a slotback to his current position as a tight end. In his first two seasons with the Owls, he registered 738 yards on 62 catches and scored six touchdowns. Despite an ankle injury this season, Willson racked up 126 yards on nine catches and scored two touchdowns in six games with the team.  Ultimately, he played a significant role in helping the Owls make a Bowl appearance.

In front of 30 NFL scouts at Rice’s Pro Day, the 23 year old posted a 4.57 and 4.46 in the 40 Yard Dash as well as a 38 inch Vertical Jump. Moreover, Willson received an invitation to the NFLPA Bowl where he registered 46 yards on three catches and found the end zone once.

Willson was selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the fourth round of the 2012 CFL Draft.  Earlier in his career, he played at the varsity level for the Essex Ravens of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).  Not only has Willson excelled as a football player, but he has been successful on the baseball diamond.  The Ontario native was selected as a member of the Canadian junior baseball team in 2008 and previously participated in the World Junior Baseball Championship which was held in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2011, he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photo credit:  Rogelio V. Solis/The Associated Press

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