The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed all six members of their 2022 CFL Draft class.
Anthony Federico, the club’s second-round pick, played 23 games over three seasons at Queen’s University from 2017-2021. The six-foot-four, 240-pound native of Niagara Falls, Ontario was a force on the Gaels’ defensive line, registering 87 total tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 quarterback sacks and one pass breakup. He was given U Sports second team All-Canadian honours for his efforts in 2021.
The 24-year-old Federico was one of 10 U Sports football players to participate in the 2022 College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas and one of four Ontario University Athletics conference players to receive an invite to the University at Buffalo’s NFL pro day. Federico also played Canadian junior football with the Hamilton Hurricanes.
Kiondre Smith played 25 games over three seasons at the University of Guelph from 2018-2021. The six-foot-two, 190-pound native of Scarborough, Ontario factored in both as a receiver and as a returner for the Gryphons, tallying 50 receptions for 612 yards and five receiving touchdowns as well as 45 kick returns for 822 yards, 112 punt returns for 1,065 yards and one punt return touchdown.
He earned U Sports first team All-Canadian honours as a returner and second team All-Canadian honours as a receiver in 2021. The 22-year-old is the son of three-time Grey Cup champion Adrion “Pee Wee” Smith.
Jared Beeksma played 39 games over four seasons (2017-2021) at the University of Guelph. The six-foot-two, 220-pound native of Cambridge, Ontario registered 77 tackles, three sacks, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and six pass breakups.
Khadeem Pierre played four seasons at Concordia University from 2017-2021. The six-foot-one, 190-pound native of Ottawa, Ontario earned Quebec Conference rookie of the year, conference all-star and U Sports second team All-Canadian honours in 2017.
Nicolas Guay played four seasons at Laval University from 2017-2021. The six-foot-two, 300-pound native of Quebec City, QC earned U Sports first team All-Canadian and Quebec conference all-star honours in 2021. With the Rouge et Or, Guay made two Vanier Cup appearances, including a losing effort in 2017 at Tim Hortons Field and in a winning appearance at home in 2018.
Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown played 17 games over three seasons at the University of British Columbia from 2018-2021. The six foot, 200-pound native of Hamilton, Ontario registered 77 total tackles, one forced fumble, four pass breakups and four interceptions for the Thunderbirds. The 22-year-old played his high school football at Cathedral High School in Hamilton.