Rifle fired up about joining Blue Bombers
Published on March 22, 2007 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers reeled in another blue chip prospect today with the addition of non-import linebacker/long-snapper Jordan Matechuk.
As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Matechuk (6-0, 218, Winnipeg Rifles '06, DOB: Sept. 22, 1985 in Yorkton, Sask.) had an outstanding season with the Winnipeg Rifles of the Prairie Football Conference in 2006. The second-year middle linebacker registered 50 defensive tackles, which tied him third in the PFC in that category, one blocked kick, one pass knockdown, one fumble recovery and one interception. His 129 defensive points ranked him third among all PFC players.
Matechuk (pronounced MATA-chuck) was also a force to be reckoned with on special teams for the Rifles. He was ranked as one of the most accurate long-snappers in Canadian junior football.
"I feel very blessed for something this to happen to me," Matechuk said. "I never expected it to happen so soon.
"It's definitely going to be an eye-opener and a learning experience for me to see what I've got to do to compete at that level. But it's definitely something I'm looking forward to."
Bob Dyce, Winnipeg Blue Bombers receivers coach and Canadian College Draft Coordinator, said Matechuk deserves a serious looked based on his on-field performance this past season.
"Without a doubt he's a legitimate prospect," said Dyce, who scouted Matechuk last season with the Rifles. "He's an explosive athlete with great strength and intensity.
"With everything he did during testing, he's comparable to what some of the top linebacking prospects showed at the CFL scouting combine."
Matechuk is to second Winnipeg Rifles player to sign with a CFL club. Former Rifles offensive lineman Riley Clayton is a member of the Calgary Stampeders.
Rifles president and G.M. Gord Cooke said the signing is good news for both Matechuk and the entire Rifles organization.
"It's a great thing that he has moved on to the pros," said Cooke. "He was only with us for two seasons, but he was very successful. He was definitely a leader for us, both because of his play on the field and the fact that he was very outspoken with his teammates."
Canadian Football League Stories from March 22, 2007
- Ackles Joins The Stampeders As Senior Vice-President Of Club Operations - Calgary Stampeders
- Rifle fired up about joining Blue Bombers - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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