LUMSDEN LOOKING TO BECOME NINTH CIS PLAYER DRAFTED BY NFL

OTTAWA (CIS) - McMaster University Marauders running back Jesse Lumsden will be bidding this weekend to become the ninth football player from the CIS to be selected in the NFL Draft. The 2005 NFL Draft takes place this Saturday and Sunday, in New York City.

Lumsden, a 22-year-old running back from Burlington, Ont. enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in CIS football history in 2004. On his way to winning the Hec Crighton Trophy as player of the year, he broke two of CIS' most prestigious single-season records by rushing for 1816 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns. He also tied a CIS mark with a 108-yard run from scrimmage, and set new OUA career records with 4238 rushing yards and 47 majors.

His exploits earned him an invitation for the prestigious East West Shrine Game in San Francisco, where he led the East team with 41 yards on only five carries. He became only the second CIS running back invited to the event.

Lumsden, who is also eligible for the CFL Canadian College Draft scheduled for April 28th, is Ontario University Athletics male nominee for the BLG Awards, presented annually to CIS' female and male athletes of the year. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 2nd, in Calgary.

To date, the CIS has produced 16 players who have earned a spot on an NFL roster:

CIS PLAYERS DRAFTED BY NFL TEAMS:
1965 Jim Young, Queen's, FB/R. Drafted by Minnesota. Played for Minnesota in 1965, 1966;

1976 Brian Fryer, Alberta, R. Drafted by Washington in 8th round;

1982 Dan Feraday, Toronto, QB. Drafted by Cincinnati in 12th round (333rd overall);

1986 Mike Schad, Queen's, OG. Drafted by LA Rams in 1st round (23rd overall). Only CIS player selected in first round of NFL Draft. Played for Rams (1987-1988) and Philadelphia (1989-1993);

1992 Tyrone Williams, Western Ontario, WR. Drafted by Arizona in 9th round (239th overall). Played five games for Dallas in 1993. Only player to win Vanier Cup (1991), Grey Cup (1996, Toronto) and Super Bowl (1993, Dallas).

1995 Mark Montreuil, Concordia, CB. Drafted by San Diego in 7th round (237th overall). Played for San Diego 1995-1997;

1998 Jerome Pathon, Acadia & U. of Washington, R. Drafted by Indianapolis in 2nd round (32nd overall). Played for Indianapolis (1998-2001) and now playing for New Orleans (2002-2004). Played in 15 games for the Saints in 2004, making 34 catches for 581 yards and one TD;

2001 Randy Chevrier, McGill, LS/DE. Drafted by Jacksonville in 7th round (241st overall). Played eight games for Dallas in 2001, and five games with Cincinnati also in 2001. Plays in the CFL since 2002. Won Grey Cup with Edmonton in 2003. Currently with Calgary Stampeders.

OTHER CIS PLAYERS TO PLAY FOR NFL TEAMS (in order of first appearance in NFL):
Bob Crawford, UBC. New York Giants (1960, 1961);

Ken Clark, Saint Mary's, P. Won Super Bowl XIV in lone season with LA Rams in 1979;

Tim Tindale, Western Ontario, RB. Played for Buffalo Bills (1995-1997) and Chicago Bears;

Mark Hatfield, Bishop's, OL. Miami Dolphins (1995) and Houston Oilers (1996);

Grayson Shillingford, UBC, SB. Seattle Seahawks (1996-1997);

Jean-Philippe Darche, McGill, LS/LB. Plays for Seattle Seahawks (2000-present). Has handled all of Seattle's snapping duties for five consecutive seasons;

Israel Idonije, Manitoba, DL. Played 15 games for Chicago Bears in 2004;

* Steve Morley, Saint Mary's, OG/OT. Signed with Green Bay Packers in 2004.

* currently on practice roster

(Source: Michel Belanger, CIS Communications)