Receiver Ezechiel Tieide, offensive lineman Alex Hall, linebacker Zach Philion, and defensive back/linebacker Dawson Pierre have been invited to the National Combine, where top-rated draft prospects will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of CFL general managers, coaches, and player personnel.
The Combine will take place in Winnipeg from March 19-24.
Tieide finished the regular season ranked second in touchdowns in U SPORTS and added two touchdowns in the Stingers’ playoff game against the Laval Rouge et Or. He had a total of 28 receptions for 471 yards in the regular season, averaging 58.9 yards per game and 16.8 yards per catch (11th in U SPORTS).
“I’m excited, ready to perform and show everyone the work behind the scenes,” Tieide said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities and also happy to share this experience with my brothers.”
Hall’s contribution on the offensive line played an important part in the Stingers’ successful rushing offence, ranking first in the RSEQ with an average of 6.4 yards per carry for a total of 1,207 yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns in the regular season.
“Getting this opportunity is something that I’ve been dreaming about since I was 10 years old, and for it to actually be happening is crazy to me,” Hall said. “Honestly, I didn’t believe it at first, it definitely took some time to sink in, but eventually it clicked, and I realized that all the hard work I’ve put in over the years was finally starting to pay off.”
“I’m extremely grateful to get the chance to showcase my abilities on a national stage against the best competition in the country.”
On the other side of the ball, Philion tallied 18 solo tackles and five assists in eight regular-season games, for a total of 20.5 and an average of 2.6 tackles per game. He also had one sack for a seven-yard loss. Philion was named U SPORTS and RSEQ defensive player of the week after his performance against the McGill Redbirds on Oct. 20, 2023, in which he tallied an impressive 5.5 tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup.
“The national combine to me is a statement of all that hard work I’ve put into this game and now I have a chance at a lifelong childhood dream. I’ve been manifesting the opportunity and I’m very grateful that I have received one and I can’t wait to show the league who Zach Philion is,” said the linebacker.
“Life goes full circle, just the other day it felt like I was watching my dad playing with the Als and now I have the opportunity of a lifetime at a chance to become a pro myself so it’s pretty surreal.”
Pierre finished the regular season with a sack, 20 solo tackles and 6 assists for a total of 23 tackles in six games, averaging 3.8 tackles per game. He also had an interception in the playoff game against Laval. In addition, Pierre was named RSEQ All-Star in 2022.
“The night I was told I made it to the Nationals I was feeling so blessed. My first reaction was ‘thank you God.’ I have been through so much trying to make it this far, it was just a pure moment of joy. The journey I’ve had has been very rocky so far and I wouldn’t exchange it for nothing - from the start to now,” Pierre said.
“I truly want to go out there and demonstrate my potential and let all the [world] know that I am ready for what’s coming next.”
