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CFL B.C. Lions

Lions net seven in 2008 Canadian Draft

April 30, 2008 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver) On a day marking the first CFL Canadian Draft in league history to be webcast via tsn.ca and cfl.ca, the BC Lions added some talented Canadian depth with seven selections in today's 2008 Canadian Draft.

The Lions selected offensive lineman Justin Sorensen from the University of South Carolina with their first pick (5th overall) and then followed up with running back Rolly Lumbala from the University of Idaho with their second-round pick (9th overall).

A native of Parksville, BC, Sorensen started all twelve regular season games at the right guard position for South Carolina in 2007, making 18 consecutive starts at the position to date. Sorensen has one year of eligibility remaining at South Carolina.

Lumbala enjoyed a productive career at Idaho, appearing in every regular season game for the Vandals since his freshman season in 2004. Used primarily as a blocking back, the Calgary-native had eight catches for 67 yards in his senior year. The Lions will remain in waiting mode for the time being however, as Lumbala signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins and is slated to appear at the team's mini-camp this weekend.

The Lions then made a trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, sending their 14th and 30th overall picks to the Roughriders in exchange for Saskatchewan's 18th overall pick where they selected Justin Shaw in the third round. The Lions also received Saskatchewan's first-round draft choice in the 2009 Canadian Draft.

Shaw capped off an outstanding four-year career on the defensive line for the reigning Vanier Cup-champion University of Manitoba Bisons, appearing in seven of eight regular season games in his senior season. A Bisons record-holder for most fumbles recovered in a career (nine), the Victoria-native recorded 12 tackles, eight TFL and led the team with seven sacks in 2007.

With their fourth pick (20th overall) in the third round, the Lions selected linebacker Jason Arakgi - son of Nick Arakgi, a former teammate of Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono, and the godson of former Lions defensive coordinator Dave Ritchie. The Oakville, Ontario-native recorded 32 tackles, one sack and an interception in his senior year at McMaster, appearing in all eight regular season games for the Marauders in 2007.

The Lions selected defensive back Mike McEachern with their fifth pick (22nd overall) in the third round. Starting in all 11 regular season games for Western Illinois in his junior year, the Calgary-native recorded 59 tackles, 4 TFL and two sacks for the Leathernecks in 2007. McEachern has one year of eligibility remaining at Western Illinois.

With their sixth pick (36th overall), the Lions selected defensive back Brady Browne in the fifth round. A teammate of Justin Shaw at the University of Manitoba, Browne recorded 24 tackles and two interceptions in his senior year for the Vanier Cup-champion Bisons. Capping off a productive four year career at Manitoba, the Maple Ridge-native was named a CIS second-team All-Canadian and a Canada West All-Star in 2007.

For their final selection in the 2008 Canadian Draft, the Lions selected offensive lineman Hubert Buydens as their seventh pick (46th overall) in the sixth round. A two-time Canada West All-Star at the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon-native was also named a CIS second team All-Canadian in 2006.

2008 BC Lions Season Tickets are on sale now! For more information on ticket packages call 604.589.ROAR or visit bclions.com.

BC Lions Training Camp begins Sunday, June 1st in Abbotsford, BC. For information on the BC Lions Football Club please visit our website at www.bclions.com.

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Canadian Football League Stories from April 30, 2008


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