York Lions defensive linemen Ricky Foley was selected fourth overall by the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League draft held April 20. With the selection, Foley becomes the second-highest pick in York history behind defensive back Trevor Williams, who was chosen third by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1984.
Right: Ricky Foley
Foley, a fourth-year history major in York’s Faculty of Arts, was a first-team Ontario University Athletics All-Star in 2005 and a second-team All-Canadian in 2004 when he lead the Canadian Interuniversity Sports league in sacks with nine. The 6-foot-2, 255-pounder was a versatile athlete for the Lions in 2005, playing five different positions during the season. He finished seventh in the OUA in tackles with 49.
As a member of the track and field team, Foley broke a 27-year old school record in the shot put and was ranked fifth in the country. In March, he was named York’s 2005-06 Male Athlete of the Year. He is the 46th York player to be drafted by the professional league since 1972.