Four Manitoba Bison student-athletes are on their way to the CFL after Tuesday night’s draft.
Defensive lineman David Onyemata was chosen 35th overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, offensive lineman Alex McKay was 52nd overall and also joins Saskatchewan, slotback Alex Vitt was 55th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and linebacker DJ Lalama was the 70th pick by the Edmonton Eskimos.
Four Bisons selected in 2016 CFL Draft led by defensive lineman David Onyemata at 35th overall by Saskatchewan Roughriders, offensive lineman Alex McKay picked 52nd overall by Saskatchewan, slotback Alex Vitt at 55th overall by Winnipeg Blue Bombers and linebacker DJ Lalama was 70th overall pick by Edmonton Eskimos.
All are fourth year Bisons players and tie for sixth as the most players selected by any one school during the 2016 CFL Draft.
Onyemata, 23, was also selected in the NHL Draft by the New Orleans Saints in the 4th round on Saturday, April, 30. The Lagos, Nigeria native has been turning heads ever since he stepped on the football field with no prior knowledge of the game before arriving to Canada only five years ago.
As for the local draft choice of the Blue Bombers, Alex Vitt accumulated 61 receptions for 1,254 receiving yards while adding nine receiving TDs during the conference regular seasons with the Bisons.
“I am real excited to be picked by the Blue Bombers. It is great to stay in my hometown and play professional football in Winnipeg,” said Vitt after his selection.
“I felt our program had several draft worthy players for this year’s draft and pleased that the CFL teams took notice,” Bisons head coach Brian Dobie said.
“I know what these young men go through as Bison student-athletes and the work they do and the dream they choose to play football at the professional level.”
— Staff
