UBC linebacker Ben Hladik accepts invitation to College Gridiron Showcase

Photo courtesy Bob Frid/UBC Athletics

Another Canadian prospect is getting the chance to perform in front of NFL and CFL scouts.

University of British Columbia linebacker Ben Hladik has accepted an invitation to the College Gridiron Showcase (CGS). The six-foot-four, 238-pounder is one of the top U Sports prospects heading into the 2021 CFL Draft.

The native of Vernon, B.C. is a two-time U Sports second-team All-Canadian who has recorded 189 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five knockdowns, and one interception in 28 games with the Thunderbirds.

Five Canadians have already accepted invitations to the CGS. University of Montreal offensive lineman Pier-Olivier Lestage will be at the event with four members of the University of Calgary Dinos — linebackers Grant McDonald and Charlie Moore and offensive linemen Peter Nicastro and Tyler Packer.

University of Calgary’s Peter Nicastro, Tyler Packer, Charlie Moore invited to College Gridiron Showcase

The CGS is scheduled for January 17-21 in Fort Worth, Texas and will look to help fill the void left by a disrupted college and university football season.

A number of Canadians selected in the 2020 CFL Draft attended the event, including Western kicker/punter Marc Liegghio, Simon Fraser receiver/tight end Rysen John, Fort Hays State kicker/punter Dante Brown, and UBC defensive back Stavros Katsantonis.

John Hodge
John Hodge is a Canadian football reporter based in Winnipeg.