Esks Unveil Draft Class of 08
April 30, 2008 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) - The Edmonton Eskimos selected six Canadians in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft and were involved in a trade which brought in two more non-imports.
The Esks began the day by trading their second and 16th overall selections in the draft to Calgary in exchange for the playing rights to non-import O-lineman John Comiskey, non-import receiver Kevin Challenger and the 11th and 19th overall selections in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft.
A three year CFL veteran, Comiskey is the younger brother of the Esks' O-lineman Dan Comiskey. Drafted 19th overall by Calgary in the 2005 CFL Canadian Draft, John Comiskey played in 13 regular season games and the CFL West Semi-Final in 2007.
Challenger is a highly regarded receiver from Boston College who posted 45 catches for 551 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in 2007. In four seasons with the Eagles, the Montreal native registgered 110 receptions for 1,315 yards and 12 TDs. Challenger was Calgary's second round selection (14th overall) in the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft.
With their first pick (11th overall), the Eskimos selected offensive lineman Greg Wojt of Central Michigan University. The 6-4, 285 native of Mississauga, Ontario was a two year starter at right tackle for the Chippewas and played a key role in CMU's 2007 Mid-American Conference title. Wojt has a year of eligibility left at Central Michigan.
In the third round (19th overall), the Esks picked Saint Mary's linebacker Tim St. Pierre. Over seven games last season. St. Pierre had 33 solo tackles and 13 assists. He was named AUS most valuable defensive player and was also player of the game in the Uteck Bowl win over Laval.
Manitoba defensive lineman Justin Cooper was selected in the third round (23rd overall). In 2007 he registered 34 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and 16 sacks and was a Canada West Conference All-Star, Canada West oustanding Lineman of the Year and a First Team All-Canadian. He was also the 2007 East-West Bowl Defensive MVP.
Sammy Okpro, a defensive back out of Concordia, was selected in the fourth round (25th overall). In seven games, Okpro had 30 solo tackles, 13 assists, one interception and three pass breakups. The three-time All-Canadian was the second-leading tackler on the Stingers and he was voted MVP of the year by his teammates.
With another fourth round selection (26th overall), the Esks selected St. Francis Xavier defensive back Jonathan Hood. Hood recorded 12 solo tackles, eight assists, two pass breakups and a forced fumble over eight games last season. He also returned 38 punts for 440 yards and a touchdown and 14 kickoffs for 417 yards and a touchdown.
With their final pick (34th overall), the Eskimos picked Dante Luciani. The Wilfrid Laurier receiver had 25 receptions for 259 yards and seven touchdowns over eight games. He added 17 punt returns for 225 yards and a touchdown. Luciani was an OUA Second Team All-Star his final year.
Round 1 - acquired the playing rights to non-import O-lineman John Comiskey and non-import receiver Kevin Challenger and the 11th and 19th overall selections in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft from Calgary in exchange for their second and 16th overall selections in the draft.
Round 2 (3rd pick, 11th overall) - Greg Wojt, OL, Central Michigan
Round 3 (3rd pick, 19th overall) - Tim St. Pierre, LB, Saint Mary's
Round 3 (7th pick, 23rd overall) - Justin Cooper, DL, Manitoba
Round 4 (1st pick, 25th overall) - Sammy Okpro, DB, Concordia
Round 4 (2nd pick, 26th overcall) - Jonathan Hood, DB, St. Francis Xavier
Round 5 (2nd pick, 34th overall) - Dante Luciani, WR, Wilfrid Laurier
For more information on the Edmonton Eskimos visit our website at www.esks.com.
The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is one of the most successful teams in CFL history with 13 Grey Cup championships and a North American pro-sports record of 34 consecutive years in the playoffs. A community-owned team, the Eskimos pride themselves on giving back to the community that has supported the organization throughout its illustrious history.
• Discuss this story on the Canadian Football League message board...
Canadian Football League Stories from April 30, 2008
- Tiger-Cats Make Four Selections In 2008 Canadian Draft - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Stampeders Complete Draft Day - Calgary Stampeders
- Esks Unveil Draft Class of 08 - Edmonton Elks
- Bombers pleased with results of CFL Draft - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Linebacker Shea Emry Alouettes' First-Round Draft Pick - Montreal Alouettes
- Lions net seven in 2008 Canadian Draft - B.C. Lions
- Eskimos select OL Wojt 11th overall in '08 CFL Canadian Draft - Edmonton Elks
- 2008 Cfl Canadian Draft First Round Selections - CFL
- Bombers select OL LaBatte in CFL Draft - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Stamps Select Newman - Calgary Stampeders
- Stamps Make Trade - Calgary Stampeders
- Eskimos swing draft day deal with Stamps - Edmonton Elks
- Stamps Take Tsoumpas - Calgary Stampeders
- Barker Selected First Overall in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft - CFL
- Ticats Land DB Markeith Knowlton - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Leos send pair to Ti-Cats; pick up second round pick - B.C. Lions
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
