Top 10 USports prospects to watch eligible for the 2018 CFL draft

USports universities have accounted for over 75 per cent of the CFL draft picks in the last two years.

Lots of high calibre prospects come through the Canadian university football system – six of the nine 2017 first round picks were from schools on our soil.

Unveiling the top 10 USports prospects to watch during the 2017 season.

1) Regis Cibasu, REC, Montreal

Cibasu burst on to the USports scene as a freshman with 90 receiving yards in Montreal’s 2014 Vanier Cup victory and earned game MVP honours for his effort. Checking in at six-foot-two, 230 pounds he’s got a pro-ready frame.

2) Godfrey Onyeka, DB, Laurier

(Photo credit: Kha Vo)

Long and rangy, Onyeka has intriguing traits – six-foot-two and 203 pounds. Top end speed needs to improve, but the 2016 All-Canadian possesses potential to play corner or safety in the CFL.

3) Marcus Davis, REC/RET, UBC

Anthony Coombs 2.0 and possibly more refined. Davis has spent more time at slotback than Coombs, the 2014 third overall pick, did in university. He has a smoothness to his running style with the ability to explode.

4) Jackson Bennett, LB-DB, Ottawa

Ultra athletic defender who has return ability too. 4.68 40-yard and 4.05 shuttle times at the USports East West Bowl prove Bennet can run and change direction quickly. CFL scouts just need to figure out which position he’ll fit best at the next level.

5) Tyrone Pierre, REC, Laval

Specs: six-foot-two, 201 pounds, 38-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump, 4.58 40 and 3.99 shuttle time. Those are eye-popping numbers. Pierre is ultra athletic.

6) Darius Ciraco, OL, Calgary

The two-time Team Canada junior member needs to have a healthy season in 2017. If Ciraco stays on the field he’ll boost his chances of being the top USPorts lineman selected.

7) Andrew Pickett, OL, Guelph

When Pickett landed with the Gryphons many believed he was CFL quality. He’s dressed since day one and been a starter at guard the last two seasons. Strong as they come.

8) Alex Taylor, RB, Western

(Photo credit: Brandon VandeCaveye)

Taylor’s low-to-the-ground running style, catching ability, burst and vision are what scouts like about him. He’s from Winnipeg, same place as Andrew Harris. Just sayin’. DNP in testing at East West Bowl is holding his stock lower than it otherwise might be for now.

9) Nelkas Kwemo, LB, Queen’s

(Photo credit: Jason Scourse)

In high school, Kwemo played quarterback, receiver, returner and linebacker – flat out athlete on the field. A bothersome hamstring made his East West Bowl 40 slower than expected, but he can be an instant special teams impact maker in the pros.

10) David Brown, OL, Western

(Photo credit: Brandon VandeCaveye)

Western has consistently produced CFL offensive lineman and Brown is next in that line. Six-foot-four, 285 pounds and strong – 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press was the highest total by an OL at the 2017 USports East West Bowl.