Live exclusively on the Global Morning News, the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced they would be selecting a local player with their first over draft pick.
“With the first pick in the 2012 CFL draft the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be selecting University of Saskatchewan offensive lineman Ben Heenan,” Riders President & CEO Jim Hopson told a crowd at the University of Saskatchewan’s “Dog’s Breakfast” event.
The 6’4″ 320 pound Grand Coulee native has played four years with the U of S Huskies and was named the Canada West rookie of the year in 2008 and played in the American Shrine Bowl this year.
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The CFL’s amateur scouting bureau lists Heenan as the second best player in the draft behind Boise State’s Tyrone Crawford but local talent always draws attention from the fan base.
“Honestly, you want to take the best player that that happened to be Ben,” said Rod Peterson, the play-by-play voice of the Riders. “And to have a guy that’s excited to be here, that’s what you want. He was the best pick for sure.”
Heenan began his football career on the field at Sheldon-Williams in 2005. His former coach says he was quick to show his determination.
“He found the weight room – he was there everyday and his development from 10-12 was outstanding, he went to every camp Football-Sask offered,” Kyle McFetridge told Global News. “He had a really strong desire to get better.”
“No one expects more out of me than myself,” Heenan told reporters after this morning’s announcement. “So I’m just looking forward to staying in Saskatchewan.”
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