27 Players Selected in the First CFL LFA Draft in Mexico City
January 14, 2019 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
MEXICO CITY - Following a combine in Mexico hosted by Mexico's Liga de Futbol Americano Profesional (LFA), the LFA and the Canadian Football League (CFL) conducted a three-round draft in Mexico City's Crowne Plaza Hotel that saw CFL teams select 27 players from the LFA.
With the first overall pick, Edmonton selected wide receiver Diego Jair Viamontes, who plays for the Mexico City Mayas.
Below is a recap of the first round of the CFL LFA draft. A full report can be found HERE.
Selection Team Name Position Team
1 EDM Diego Jair Viamontes WR Mayas CDMX (LFA)
2 OTT Jose Carlos Maltos K Fundidores Monterrey (LFA)
3 MTL Enrique Gerardo Yenny K Borregos ITESM Tol (University)
4 TOR Uriel Martinez DE Tigres UANL (University)
5 HAM José Humberto Noriega WR Aztecas UDLAP (University)
6 SSK Rene Francisco Brassea OL Fundidores Monterrey (LFA)
7 BC Octavio Noé Gonzalez DL Fundidores Monterrey (LFA)
8 WPG Sergio Schiafinno DB Dinos Saltillo (LFA)
9 CGY Andres Salgado WR Condors CDMX (LFA)
First overall pick Diego Jair Viamontes said the following after his selection: "I met with many coaches of all the teams but with the Edmonton coaches I was really chatting about football, about why I love to play, what was my biggest dream and I felt a connection. I'm very grateful for today. I'm very thankful for the organization of the Edmonton Eskimos for putting this trust in me. They won't regret it."
Prior to the 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw last year in Edmonton, the CFL and LFA signed a letter of intent that will see them work together on several projects including possible CFL games in Mexico.
CFL teams are scheduled to open their training camps for the 2019 season on Sunday, May 19. The season begins on Thursday June 13 when the Saskatchewan Roughriders face off against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Edmonton will host Montreal on Friday June 14 and the Calgary Stampeders will launch the defense of their championship on Saturday June 15 when they host the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Opening week wraps up with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers travelling to BC to play the Lions.
The 107th Grey Cup presented by Shaw will be played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Sunday November 24 at 6 p.m. ET (4 p.m. local time).
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Canadian Football League Stories from January 14, 2019
- 27 Players Selected in the First CFL LFA Draft in Mexico City - CFL
- Toronto Argonauts Announce Results of CFL-LFA Draft - Toronto Argonauts
- CFL to be on ESPN+ and ESPN Networks in Multi-Year Agreement - CFL
- RedBlacks Re-Sign Nolan MacMillan - Ottawa RedBlacks
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