CFL prospects Test to be the Best at E-Camp‏

CFL.ca Staff

The 2011 CFL Evaluation Camp presented by Reebok is in the books after over 50 of the country’s top draft-eligible prospects had the chance to showcase their skills for coaches, executives and scouts from around the league.

Wilfrid Laurier offensive lineman Michael Knill kicked the testing off in style on Saturday morning bench pressing 225 lbs. an incredible 47 times to set a CFL E-Camp record in the camp’s first event.

Knill’s former teammate Mike Montoya held the previous record at 40 repetitions.

“I would have liked to have gotten 50, but I’m pretty happy with 47,” the six-foot-six, 350-pound Knill said. “My goal was definitely to break Mike’s record so I’m happy with that.”

Knill’s record setting bench press was just one of many highlights from an intense and exciting weekend of testing, drills and interviews for the participants.

Later on Saturday Calgary wide receiver Anthony Parker came just one inch shy of matching Jamall Lee’s 2009 camp record in the vertical jump with a leap of 43 inches.

Parker, one of the top ranked prospects heading into the draft also led all receivers with a broad jump of 10 feet 7 inches, the second best jump of the day overall.

“I feel like the broad and vertical jumps let me show everyone how explosive I can be and is part of what gives me the ability to have success going against some of the taller defensive backs,” said Parker.

The top broad jump of the day went to York defensive back Andre Clarke (top picture) who pulled off a 10 foot 9.5 inch jump, just one inch shy of the camp record set in 2002.

Where Clarke really shined though was on Sunday where he posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of anyone in camp with a blistering time of 4.50 seconds measured electronically.

“It felt really good. I got a really good start – that helped,” the York Lion said. “I could always do better but I’m just excited for being one of the top performers.”

Concordia running back Edem Nyamadi clocked a 3.97 second time in the short shuttle to match the camp record while St. Francis Xavier linebacker Henoc Muamba (bottom picture) ran a 6.72 second time in the 3-Cone drill to round out the testing.

Once the players finished their testing they were put through a series of positional and on-field drills to showcase their football skills.

First up were the offensive and defensive linemen.

“With everyone watching, this is really your chance to just go out there and play ball,” said Montreal defensive lineman Gregory Alexandre.

Alexandre was one of a handful of players who turned heads with his dominant performance in the one-on-one portion of Sunday’s drills.

On the offensive line Rice product Scott Mitchell lived up to all the expectations that came with being the second rated prospect coming in to camp. Mitchell looked every bit the part of a top pick as he turned away bull-rushes and swim moves from defensive linemen.

Plenty of the skill position players also impressed when they got their shot on the field later in the day.

Top rated linebacker, Henoc Muamba, continued to prove why he is the most highly rated player at his position and showed he has the versatility to drop back in pass coverage, while also being physical enough to rush the passer.

“One of my nicknames in university is A.O. cause I am able to play all over,” said Muamba. “I like covering running backs, but I also love the physicality of the game and like being in the box.”

Anthony Parker also turned his strong testing numbers into a solid performance in the on-field drills.

“I can catch the ball well and I think proved that today,” said Parker. “Once I’m able to get on top of guys I’m fast enough to separate once I have made a stick one way or another.”

Amongst the receivers Marco Iannuzzi also showed well on Sunday while Parker’s teammate Matt Walter stood out amongst a small group of running backs.

Of the defensive backs Andre Clarke – who made his name with his fast 40-time and solid jumps – translated his speed to the football field with a solid showing in the crossover drills with the receivers. The York Lion made smooth transitions out of his back pedal and added a knock down during the one-on-one session.

The 2011 E-Camp also featured two Canadian quarterbacks, Regina’s Marc Mueller and Ottawa’s Brad Sinopoli, who are eligible for the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft. Both players performed well in testing and in drills.