Two York Lions offensive linemen were among the 53 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) players selected May 10 in the 2016 Canadian Football League (CFL) draft.
Jamal Campbell (Toronto, Ont.) was the first Lions player drafted, when he was taken by his hometown Toronto Argonauts in the third round at 22nd overall. The six-foot-seven Campbell impressed CFL scouts with his size and athleticism, and had been projected by some to be drafted as high as the second round.
Campbell completed his fourth season with the Lions in 2015, starting all eight games and playing primarily at right tackle. He converted to the offensive line after spending his first two years with the Lions on the defensive side of the ball, and was named to the 2015 CIS East West Bowl all-star game in 2015.
He becomes York’s the highest-drafted player since Ricky Foley was taken fourth overall by the B.C. Lions in 2006.
Campell is studying sociology at York.
Just three rounds later, fellow Lions offensive lineman Chris Kolankowski (Etobicoke, Ont.) joined teammate Campbell on the Argos roster when he was selected in the sixth round with the 49th overall pick. The six-foot-two, 290-pound Kolankowski has been one of the top offensive linemen on the Lions since his rookie season, and bounced back from a season-ending injury in 2014 to start all eight games for the team in 2015.
Both Campbell and Kolankowski attended the CFL draft combine in March where they were put through medical examinations, performance, strength and speed tests, on-field football drills and team interviews in front of CFL general managers, coaches and scouts from all teams.
Kolankowski is studying law & society at York.
For all the information on the CFL Canadian Draft visit www.cfl.ca.