Chambers named top three prospect headed into CFL draft

TORONTO - Boise State defensive end Tyrone Crawford, University of Regina offensive lineman Ben Heenan and Wilfrid Laurier University receiver Shamawd Chambers are the top three ranked prospects heading into the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft, the CFL Scouting Bureau announced today.The 2012 CFL Canadian Draft is scheduled for Thursday, May 3 at 3pm ET (TSN).

Both Heenan and Chambers had solid performances at the CFL Evaluation Camp in early March, helping them remain at the top of the latest scouting bureau ranking. Crawford did not attend the CFL Evaluation Camp but is expected to be selected high in the NFL Draft, which may affect where he is selected in the CFL Draft.

Frederic Plesius also performed well at the CFL Evaluation Camp, which has helped him move up one spot to fifth on the latest ranking.

Heenan, Chambers and Plesius will be available on a national media teleconference call at 1pm ET today. Details are below.

The ranking includes five defensive linemen, four offensive linemen, four receivers, a linebacker and a defensive back.

Three players made the ranking for the first time; Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Jabar Westerman, Simon Fraser defensive lineman Justin Capicciotti and Saskatchewan defensive back Keenan MacDougall.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders currently hold the top pick in the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft. For the full draft order click here.

The CFL’s Scouting Bureau is comprised of CFL scouts, player personnel directors and general managers from the league’s eight teams.

Here is the full list:

1. (2) Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State
2. (1) Ben Heenan, OL, University of Regina
3. (4) Shamawd Chambers, R, Wilfrid Laurier
4. (3) Austin Pasztor, OL, Virginia
5. (6) Frédéric Plesius, LB, Laval
6. (12) Christo Bilukidi, DE, Georgia State
7. (7) Ameet Pall, DE, Wofford
8. (-) Jabar Westerman, DL, Eastern Michigan
9. (9) Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, R, Sherbrooke
10.(15) Matt Norman, OL, Western
11.(11) Ismael Bamba, R, Sherbrooke
12.(14) Johnny Aprile, R, Queen’s
13.(-) Justin Capicciotti, DL, Simon Fraser
14.(-) Keenan MacDougall, DB, Saskatchewan
15.(5) Kirby Fabien, OL, Calgary

CONFERENCE CALL INFO:

When: Tuesday, April 24, 1:00pm ET
Who: Ben Heenan, OL, University of Regina
Shamawd Chambers, R, Wilfrid Laurier
Frederic Plesius, LB, Laval
Call-In Number: 416-340-2216 / 866-226-1792
Call Reference: CFL Canadian Draft Preview Conference Call

The Canadian Football League is our league. The Grey Cup is our national championship and Canada's largest annual single sporting event. We are proudly preparing for the 100th Grey Cup in 2012. The celebration will span the country and culminate in a tremendous festival and game in Toronto next November. We invite all Canadians to be a part of it.

Source: CFL.ca