Just one more sleep until athletes from across the country get a chance to take the field in Edmonton for the Canadian Football League’s Combine.<\/p>\n
Just one more sleep until athletes from across the country get a chance to take the field in Edmonton for the Canadian Football League\u2019s Combine.<\/p>\n
The ultimate job interview is an opportunity for athletes to show what they can do and raise their profile ahead of the CFL draft. That opportunity isn\u2019t lost on University of Regina Rams offensive lineman Ethan Graham.<\/p>\n
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years to be in this place, and in this situation, so to get the recognition from the CFL that they’ve seen my hard work, it absolutely means a lot to me, and it’s great to be acknowledged.”<\/p>\n
Graham didn\u2019t get many post-secondary opportunities after graduating from Sheldon-Williams Collegiate. He\u2019s turned that snub into motivation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew I could play at the next level, and I eventually knew that I had aspirations to play in the CFL. When I didn’t get too many looks coming out of high school, I knew whichever team gave me the opportunity, I was going to give them my all, and I was going to work really hard to become the best player I could for them.”<\/p>\n
The Combine is a series of timed physical tests and team competition drills that Graham is ready for.<\/p>\n
“I’ve worked on my one-on-ones a lot. One-on-ones are a big part of the Combine. I think that’s where teams judge the guys the most, and I really want to showcase what I can do in that event. I’ve taken a lot of reps at not only tackle but guard as well. I’m going to try to take reps everywhere across the line of scrimmage to show these teams that I can be a versatile player. It\u2019s just going to come down to me focusing on the little details and on myself. If I lose a rep here or there, I\u2019m not going to get in my own head, just breathe and move on to the next rep.”<\/p>\n
Graham hopes to showcase his versatility at the Combine, even willing to catch a pass, as one of only two offensive linemen in Rams history to make a reception.<\/p>\n
“I’m sure going to try. I still like to tell our coach, you know, if you ever want to give me a route, throw me another ball, I’d be so happy to do that.”<\/p>\n
When the final whistle sounds, Graham understands what success will look like.<\/p>\n
“The Combine will be successful for me if I just stick to what I know how to do and keep doing what I know how to do.”<\/p>\n