Four members of the StFX X-Men will be participating in the upcoming CFL regional combine in Montreal, while linebacker Ron Omara will attend the CFL national combine in Toronto.
Every year, executives, coaches and scouts from all eight CFL teams gather in Toronto to interview and evaluate the top Canadian Draft-eligible prospects. The athletes are interviewed by interested CFL teams, then are subjected to a variety of exercises and drills to test their physical abilities and football skills through measured drills.
X-Men head coach Gary Waterman comments, "It's always great to see young men who have worked extremely hard be recognized for their effort and abilities. The X-Men football players representing our university at this year's regional and CFL combines all possess qualities that any organization would want. They are high character individuals who are very talented and love to compete. We wish them all the success in the world and know that they will represent the white and blue well."
Ron Omara is a 6'2", 240 pound linebacker from Alymer, Que. who just wrapped up his fourth season with the X-Men. The 2013 AUS defensive player of the year had 36.5 tackles in seven games played this season, averaging 5.2 tackles per game. He had two interceptions which he returned for 60 yards, along with 1 sack, 2.5 TFL and 3 break-ups.
Ron was 2013 CIS East West Bowl participant and earned CIS second team all-Canadian status in the 2013 season. He was the 2014 StFX male athlete of the year. He is the lone StFX athlete invited to the national combine, scheduled for March 27-29 in Toronto.
The CFL will host three regional combines during the week leading to the national combine, with stops in Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal. Four X-Men will attend the Montreal regional combine including running backs Ashton Dickson and Jerome Stevens, receiver Randy Roseway and defensive lineman Jesse Stevens. All four are Ottawa natives.
Ashton Dickson, a 5'9", 193 pound tailback who played four seasons with the X-Men, was second in AUS rushing this past season, averaging 94.6 yards/game. The 2014 AUS offensive all-star was also second in total carries (123) and total yards (662) and scored three touchdowns.
Fourth year receiver Randy Roseway (6'0", 170 lbs) was fourth overall in AUS receiving, averaging 68.3 yards per game. He had 32 total receptions for 546 yards, leading the conference in touchdowns with five. On special teams, Roseway had 16 kickoff returns, averaging 17.1 yards per return for a total of 373 yards. He had 35 punt returns for 301 total yards on the 2014 season, averaging 8.6 yards per return, including one punt return for touchdown.
In eight games played this season, fourth year fullback Jerome Stevens (6'1", 238 lbs) had 30 receiving yards including one touchdown. His brother Jesse Stevens (6'3", 265 pounds), a 2014 AUS defensive all-star was third in team tackles with 33 on the season. The defensive lineman averaged 4.1 tackles per game and 1 sack, 5 TFL and 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown.
To view the complete lists of athletes at the national combine and regional combines visit:
http://www.cfl.ca/page/combine-players
http://www.cfl.ca/page/2015-montreal-regional-combine-participants