In recent years we’ve witnessed a shift away from young athletes specializing in one sport. With multi-sport athletes like Kyler Murray and Patrick Mahomes taking the NFL by storm, it seems parents and coaches are more open to having adolescents compete in a number of different arenas.
Logan Bandy may not be a future NFL franchise quarterback, but the University of Calgary offensive lineman grew up a proud multi-sport athlete.
“Hockey was my first sport,” said Bandy in an interview with 3DownNation. “I think from the time I could walk I was pretty much skating. I was never at a super high level of hockey, but I played all the way through my childhood into high school. It really built an appreciation for that game. I can honestly probably say that it’s my favorite sport and it always will be just because it was my first love.”
Bandy was a power forward, which must have terrified opponents given his massive frame. He was suspended numerous times during his childhood for hitting opponents in the head, which he claims was due to his size.
“When you’re a fourteen or fifteen-year-old kid and you’re a foot taller than everybody else on the ice and you’re trying to lay a hit, it’s almost impossible not to make contact with the head. That’s what I like to think, anyways. That’s my reasoning for it.”
Bandy’s first exposure to football was through the Calgary Stampeders when his family purchased season tickets when he was in grade three or four. The game piqued his interest and he took the opportunity to participate in a kids camp that was hosted by the team. He struggled on the field but was instantly hooked on the three-down game.
“I was terrible,” said Bandy with a laugh. “I’d never played before. I had no clue how to play. I was just a big, tubby kid trying to get a new sport down and I was not good at it, but I loved every second of it.”
Looking back at photos of the camp years later, Bandy spotted future Dinos teammate Deane Leonard. The pair won a Vanier Cup together in 2019 after recording a perfect 8-0 regular season record the year before. Leonard is also a top prospect in the 2021 CFL draft and was able to play in 2020 after transferring to Ole Miss.
“We were probably in the same group doing the same drills. I’d like to think that I was a little more athletic than him, but we’re not gonna go there.”
Bandy played on Team Alberta with Chuba Hubbard, who is expected to be a late-round NFL draft pick following a standout NCAA career. He also played against Amen Ogbongbemiga in high school, who could be the No. 1 pick in the CFL draft if he doesn’t sign in the NFL.
“The grassroots football here in Calgary and Alberta is really starting to reach that top level,” said Bandy. “You’re seeing more and more players every year from this area making it, so it’s pretty cool to see all these youth football programs produce these elite players and these great people. It’s a pretty proud moment.”
Bandy is currently preparing for the CFL’s virtual combine with a number of Dinos teammates, including Peter Nicastro, Tyler Packer, Carter Comeau, Charlie Moore, Josiah Joseph, and Robinson Rodrigues.
Every year there are two U Sports players who are selected to take part in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl. The Canadians who participated in the event in 2020 were Alberta’s Carter O’Donnell and Montreal’s Marc-Antoine Dequoy, both of whom ended up signing in the NFL.
The Shrine Bowl was held digitally in 2021 with Saskatchewan’s Nelson Lokombo and Montreal’s Pier-Olivier Lestage earning the two U Sports selections. Enough American scouts wanted to see Bandy that he was offered an extra invitation.
“It was a bit of an eye-opener,” said Bandy. “To even be in the conversation with the guys that get invited, it’s pretty cool. It still doesn’t feel real. It was such a great experience to sit in on calls with NFL stars and Hall of Famers and hear their experiences in their draft process. It was a pretty humbling experience.”
One of the only knocks on Bandy during his tenure at the University of Calgary was his under-built frame. He arrived to campus at 270 pounds and has since worked hard in the gym to add weight in the proper way. He played at 285 pounds in 2019 and currently weighs in at 295 pounds.
“I’ve been putting on weight slowly. It’s good weight. I truly believe that building up a frame is easier than breaking down a frame, so I’m not worried about my weight. I’m just going to keep building up.”
The two-time U Sports Second-Team All-Canadian is used to playing tackle, though he’s practiced at guard and centre as well. He’s an athletic offensive lineman who shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called in the 2021 CFL draft.
Logan Bandy
Offensive Lineman
University of Calgary
Height: 6’5
Weight: 295 pounds
Hometown: Calgary, Alta.
Twitter: @bandy_logan
Instagram: @logan_bandy
Statistics: 23 games played
Anonymous quote from a CFL scout: “He’s big, he moves well, he’s smart. There’s a lot to like with Bandy.”
