Sunday, April 29, 2012

Four Simon Fraser football players were selected in Thursday’s Canadian Football League Canadian Draft, tying for the most players selected from one school.

“We’re really proud of these four players,” said head coach Dave Johnson.

“All four of them are talented individuals and have worked hard, so it’s great to see that hard work pay off. To have this many players chosen really shows that our program is moving in the right direction.”

Justin Capicciotti (Toronto, ON) was the first member of the Clan selected, going to the Edmonton Eskimos, which selected the defensive lineman with the 14th overall pick in the second round.

The Calgary Stampeders then drafted a pair of Clan players, selecting offensive lineman Brad Erdos (Coaldale, AB) with the 27th pick, and defensive back Adam Berger (Surrey, BC) with the 30th pick.

Bo Palmer (North Vancouver, BC) was the final member of the Clan picked in the draft. The running back went to the Hamilton Tiger Cats, 33rd overall.

Capicciotti finished his Clan career by being named the GNAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. He played in nine games for SFU in 2012 and was the team leader in sacks with 10. The other three players all have eligibility remaining and are expected to return to SFU this fall.

Erdos, who is expected to anchor SFU's line this fall, played in all 10 of the Clan’s games in 2011 and all 11 of SFU’s games in 2010.

Berger had 46 tackles on the season and led the Clan in interceptions with three including a 43-yarder for a touchdown against Central Washington earning GNAC Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors.

Palmer, who was a first team GNAC selection, finished second in the conference with 1,219 rushing yards and was first in average yards per carry at 5.6.