Four members of the Concordia Stingers arrived in Toronto today to participate in the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) annual E-Camp.
Coaches and staff from all eight CFL clubs as well as more than 50 of Canada's top university football players are in attendance. The camp is designed to give the professionals a good look at the best players available for the CFL draft on May 8.
Leading the Stingers’ contingent is offensive tackle Anthony Barrette who is currently the 13th-ranked prospect for the draft. The Verdun, Que. native was a Quebec all-star and a second team CIS all-Canadian in 2010.
“Anthony can move very well for a big man and is also very powerful,” says Concordia offensive line coach Bryan Chiu. “His unique size and mobility make him the total package. He has a tremendous hunger and drive to play football, and I can tell he wants this. He wants to play at the next level.”
Slotback Liam Mahoney of Lachine, Que. is also considered a top prospect for the 2011 draft. He caught 49 passes for 609 yards and six touchdowns last season. He also had a rushing touchdown, giving him seven majors on the year. He was first in the conference for touchdowns scored and third for receiving yards. Mahoney was a Quebec all-star and a second team CIS all-Canadian.
Finally on offence, running back Edem Nyamadi is at E-Camp. In 2010, he enjoyed an excellent season, tallying more than 400 combined yards rushing, receiving and returning kicks. The Montrealer scored one touchdown in seven games. Despite splitting time early in the year, he emerged as the team’s No. 1 back taking the majority of the snaps towards the end of the season.
The only Concordia defensive player in attendance is tackle Maurice Forbes of Mississauga, Ont. Forbes had injury problems early in his career, but returned to action for the Stingers in 2010. He started all nine games and was an anchor on the defensive line, compiling 15 solo tackles and 11 assists. He also added 2.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and forced two fumbles.
Activities started today with team interviews. Other activities include medicals, bench press, vertical standing jump, flexibility tests, 40-yard dash and more. Football drills like one-on-ones will take place Sunday afternoon.
