CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Blue Bombers Add Canadian Talent through CFL Draft

Published on May 8, 2011 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added a total of six players through the CFL draft, including number one overall draft pick Henoc Muamba, a linebacker out of St. Francis-Xavier University and fourth overall selection, receiver Jade Etienne from the University of Saskatchewan.

"We're very happy with how things turned out today," said Head Coach Paul LaPolice. "We were able to get two high first round picks that we're real excited about in Henoc and Jade and overall we feel as though all six of our draft picks have the potential to be quality football players."

Henoc Muamba (6-0, 230, St. Francis Xavier, DOB: February 23, 1989 in Mississauga, Ontario) was the President's Trophy winner last season, which is given annually to the top defensive player in the CIS. He leaves St. F-X as the school's all-time leader in tackles with 149.5 and enjoyed a tremendous senior season which saw him finish second in the Atlantic University Sport Conference (AUS) and fourth in the country with 63.5 total tackles. He also ranked in the top 10 in his conference with 11 tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks, while adding one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His performance earned him All-Canadian status for the third straight season, including first-team nominations two years running. Muamba participated in the CIS East West Bowl and was also the AUS nominee for the President's Trophy in 2008.

Hanging onto the fourth overall pick, the Blue Bombers selected receiver Jade Etienne (6-3, 184, Saskatchewan, DOB: October 11, 1989 in Regina, Saskatchewan) who enjoyed a breakout season in 2010 that saw him finish third in the CIS with 721 receiving yards on 28 receptions in just seven games - an average of 103 yards per contest - while adding six touchdowns. He was named a first team All-Canadian for his efforts.

In the third round (17th overall), the Blue Bombers picked up offensive lineman Brendan Dunn (6-7, 280, Western Ontario, DOB: August 21, 1988 in Burlington, ON). Last season, Dunn was part of an offensive line at Western Ontario that helped lead the CIS in rushing yards per game (253.7).

Sticking with the offensive line, Winnipeg selected Paul Swiston (6-9, 342, Calgary, DOB: May 26, 1989 in Calgary, AB) in the fourth round (24th overall). Swiston was the Canada West Lineman of the Year last season after starting all eight games at left tackle and anchoring an offensive line that paved the way for the Calgary rushing attack which was tops in the conference by more than 600 yards. He was also named a Canada West All-Star and a second team All-Canadian.

Running back Carl Volny was the Blue Bombers' choice in the fifth round (32nd overall). Volny (5-10, 195, Central Michigan, DOB: December 25, 1987 in Miramar, FL) played in 12 games last season, starting five, and rushed for 402 yards on 81 carries, adding five touchdowns. He was named the Offensive Player of the Year by his team and finished his collegiate career with 933 yards and eight touchdowns in 36 games over four years at Central Michigan.

The Blue Bombers rounded out their 2011 draft choices by selecting receiver Liam Mahoney in the sixth round (41st overall). Mahoney (6-1, 207, Concordia, DOB: December 13, 1987 in Lachine, QC) made the switch to slotback after two years as quarterback of the Stingers in which he was named the Rookie of the Year of the CIS in 2007. In two years catching the ball, Mahoney recorded 94 receptions for 1,208 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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Canadian Football League Stories from May 8, 2011


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