The road to the 2014 CFL draft will heat up this weekend for two top Gaels prospects.
Starting today, Toronto is playing host to the national CFL Combine, open to the top 40 draft-eligible players as ranked by the teams and league office. It’s a time for the CFL’s most promising prospects to prove their ability and for teams to get a first-hand look at potential draft options.
Athletes compete in a series of physical tests, including Combine staples like the bench press and 40-yard dash, and newer events like the three-cone drill.
Two Queen’s fourth-year players looking to impress in the lead-up to the May 13 draft are defensive back Andrew Lue and defensive lineman Derek Wiggan.
Ranked eighth and 15th in the CFL Scouting Bureau’s list of prospects, Lue and Wiggan are ready to break into the pros after standout careers at Queen’s.
ANDREW LUE
Position: Defensive back
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 213 lbs.
High school: St. Brother Andre Catholic School.
Positions played: running back, slot back, wide receiver, defensive back, safety, halfback, defensive end and a bit of quarterback.
2013 stats: 27 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups.
Career idol: Deion Sanders
Describe your game: Physical, smart and relentless on the field.
CFL ambition: Lue wants to be given an opportunity in the CFL. He said his game will speak for itself; he wants to contribute to a winning team.
Favourite Queen’s memory: His television interview with Sportsnet after being named Player of the Game against Guelph in October 2013; all his teammates crashed it. The Gaels were so happy to “just take back what was ours,” Lue said.
Favourite sports moment: The miracle at Homecoming — Aaron Gazendam’s game-winning touchdown last fall. Lue didn’t even see it: he had his head down, but he heard the crowd’s celebratory roar.
Quote to future Queen’s Gaels: “Work hard, play hard.”
DEREK WIGGAN
Position: Defensive lineman
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 255 lbs.
High school: St. Michael’s College.
Positions played: defensive lineman, linebacker, fullback and offensive lineman.
2013 stats: 28 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups.
Career idol: James Harrison
Describe your game: Wiggan said he’s versatile, relentless and passionate. He can play all four spots on the line, rush from the inside or outside and doesn’t stop until the ball carrier is tackled.
CFL ambition: He said he’s just happy to play.
Favourite Queen’s memory: The 2013 Homecoming victory in overtime. It was a special, come-from-behind win, and Wiggan said he’s never won a game like that before.
Favourite sports moment: He’s a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, so Wiggan said James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLV, and Santonio Holmes’ toe-tapping catch in the end zone in the same Super Bowl.
Quote to future Queen’s Gaels: “I was proud to put on a jersey every Saturday. I put pride and effort into being a Gael. Future generations: play with pride, because this an experience unlike any other.”
Tags
CFL, Football, Gaels, Lue, Wiggan
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