Cyrille Hogan-Saindon’s dream season ended beyond all expectations yesterday when the Ottawa Redblacks called him up 11th in the Canadian Football League draft.
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“It really surprised me! launched the Rouge et Or color carrier. It took me a bit by surprise to be chosen in 11th position. I’m so happy, it’s an honor and something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. »
The towering offensive lineman played his first college football games last fall after a four-year wait. A few months later, he became the first RSEQ player to be selected at the 2022 CFL auction.
But between these two major events, the athlete from Quebec left a fine calling card wherever he went. Starting with the football fields, where Hogan-Saindon did so well that he earned a place on the RSEQ all-star team at the end of the season.
Then, at the CFL’s evaluation camp in March, the 24-year-old raised the eyes of a majority of organizations thanks to his athletic prowess. He spoke with eight of them.
A month later, he found himself listed 18th among the best prospects in anticipation of the draft. Then yesterday, he was finally drafted seven echelons earlier.
” A lot of friends “
When he heard his name called in 11th, Hogan-Saindon seemed surprised, while his relatives and Rouge et Or teammates, gathered for the occasion at the Blaxton restaurant in Lebourgneuf, celebrated.
He then multiplied the hugs, a smile on his face.
” I have a lot of friends [chez le Rouge et Noir] and it will certainly help me for the transition on the professional side. I can’t wait to find them, ”he rejoiced.
At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Hogan-Saindon believes he can help Ottawa with “his physicality and his intensity.”
“I’m really happy,” he added. This is an organization that wants to win and is willing to take the time to develop their players. »
Vincent Forbes-Mombleau in turn was able to celebrate a few rows later, when the Alouettes made the veteran receiver their 24th selection.
If Forbes-Mombleau was not surprised to be chosen in the first round, he was particularly happy to be selected by Montreal.
“It’s the best scenario! he acknowledged. Montreal is the team that made me love football when I watched games with my father. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I was 5 years old. »
At the very beginning of the evening, the Alouettes had set their sights on linebacker Tyrell Richards with the very first draft pick. They had traded earlier in the day to get this selection.
The very first choice
Richards, who played for Syracuse University for four seasons, was widely expected to be called up first yesterday.
And clearly, the Alouettes had him in their sights. To the point where their general manager, Danny Maciocia, traded his fourth overall pick and offensive lineman Carter O’Donnell, who currently plays with the Indianapolis Colts, NFL.
A native of Brampton, Ont., the 6’3″, 232 lb athlete had a total of 24 tackles and two quarterback sacks in eight games during the 2020 campaign.
The 23-year-old had to skip the following season due to NCAA transfer restrictions.
It was the first time since 2018 that the “Sparrows” held a first-round selection and the first time since 1972 that they could speak first at the CFL auction.
At the time, they had chosen a certain… Larry Smith, a running back who would one day become president of the team.