Esks pleased with '04 draft
April 28, 2004 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) â Described as "One of the best drafts I've been involved with," by Edmonton Eskimo Offensive Coordinator, Danny Maciocia, the Green and Gold continued to stockpile offensive weapons with their third, fourth and fifth picks (17th, 26th and 35th overall) in the 2004 CFL Canadian College Draft before adding to the defense with their sixth selection (44th overall).
Offensive lineman Rhett McLane (University of Saskatchewan) joined Amar Senghera (UBC) and Gilles Lezi (Northwestern) the Esks' opening two picks, before a pair of wide receivers, Andrew Nowacki from Murray State and Sherwood Park product Chad Rempel (University of Saskatchewan) were selected. "I thought he was the best wide receiver in the draft'" said Maciocia of Nowacki.
With their sixth selection (44th overall) the Esks picked up defensive back Martin Gagnon of Laval and then closed out the 2004 Canadian College Draft with another big body upfront â Mount Allison o-lineman, David Thorne (53rd overall).
Rhett McLane
OL (Non-import)
Saskatchewan
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 295
Born: March 29, 1978 â Liberty, SK
Yrs Esks: 1 Yrs CFL: 1 Yrs Pro: 1
Acquired: Edmonton's third selection (17th overall) in the 2004 Canadian College Draft.
College/Personal: Missed majority of 2003 season with knee injury. Played 3 seasons with the Huskies and earned CIS West All-Star honors 2 times ('01, '02). Played junior football with the Saskatoon Hilltops 1996-2000. Won Canadian Bowl in â96. Named team's teams Most Inspirational Player in 2000.
Andrew Nowacki WR (Non-import)
Murray State
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 197 Born: October 10, 1980 â Stony Creek, ON Yrs Esks: 1 Yrs CFL: 1 Yrs Pro: 1
Acquired: Edmonton's fourth selection (26th overall) in the 2004 Canadian College Draft.
College/Personal: Played 3 seasons at Murray State appearing in 24 games recording 53 receptions for 608 yards. In 2003, Nowacki lead the Racers in receiving (43-477) adding 3 touchdowns. Nowacki graduated with honors from Murray States' business program in December of 2003.
Chad Rempel
WR (Non-import)
Saskatchewan
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210
Born: May 23, 1981 â Sherwood Park, AB
Yrs Esks: 1 Yrs CFL: 1 Yrs Pro: 1
Acquired: Edmonton's fifth selection (35th overall) in the 2004 CFL Canadian College Draft.
College/Personal: Played three seasons at the University of Saskatchewan. Missed 2003 season with broken foot. Voted a Canada West All-Start in 2001and 2002. Racked-up 89 career receptions for 1691 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Huskies. Also competes with U of S track team and owns a Booster Juice franchise in Saskatoon.
Martin Gagnon
DB (Non-import)
Laval
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 210
Born: February 9, 1981 â Laval, PQ
Yrs Esks: 1 Yrs CFL: 1 Yrs Pro: 1
Acquired: Edmonton's sixth selection (44th overall) in the 2004 CFL Canadian College Draft.
College/Personal: Recorded 31 defensive tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble last season with Laval.
David Thorne
OL (Non-import)
Mount Allison
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 258
Born: October 14, 1979 â Caledonia, ON
Yrs Esks: 1 Yrs CFL: 1 Yrs Pro: 1
Acquired: Edmonton's seventh selection (53rd overall) in the 2004 CFL Canadian College Draft.
College/Personal: Played 4 seasons with Mount Allison and named a 2003 AUS Conference All-Star. Also named by his teammates as 2003 Lineman of the Year, and the MVP of Special Teams. Selected to play in 2003 CIS East-West Bowl.
Canadian Football League Stories from April 28, 2004
- Argonaut great Mike Wadsworth remembered - Toronto Argonauts
- Blue Bombers emphasize defence in college draft - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- John Sullivan selected by the Blue Bombers - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Ryan Folk chosen by Winnipeg - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Neil McKinlay picked by Blue Bombers - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- CFL Ambassador Mike Wadsworth Remembered - CFL
- Esks pleased with '04 draft - Edmonton Elks
- Chris Burns appearance on TSN program rescheduled - Ottawa Renegades
- Alouettes pick two Montreallers in CFL draft - Montreal Alouettes
- Argos get bigger and faster with draft - Toronto Argonauts
- The Best of the Rest - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Renegades go local in 2004 Canadian draft - Ottawa Renegades
- 2004 Ottawa Renegades Draft Notes - Ottawa Renegades
- Esks go on offensive with first two draft picks - Edmonton Elks
- Bombers select Jon Ryan - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Riders grab fullback with first round pick - Saskatchewan Roughriders
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