Friday, May 1, 2020

TORONTO, Ont. – Gridiron dreams will continue for Simon Fraser wide receiver Rysen John and Western Oregon defensive lineman Court Hammond as the pair was selected in the 2020 Canadian Football League Draft, which was conducted on April 30.

The two GNAC performers were selected just picks apart in the draft’s third round. John was the 21st overall pick by the Calgary Stampeders to open the round. Hammond was selected two picks later with the 23rd pick overall by the B.C. Lions.

John’s selection by Calgary comes just a week after he signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New York Giants of the National Football League.

“I am definitely blessed for another opportunity if for whatever reason the NFL doesn’t work out,” John told the Simon Fraser athletics website. “I’m in a great situation and Calgary is a great organization that has won on a consistent basis with a Grey Cup pedigree.”

A First Team All-GNAC selection, John led the GNAC with 861 receiving yards, 53 total receptions and 10 receiving touchdowns. He finished ranked 24th in Division II in receiving touchdowns and 43rd in total receiving yards.

Hammond earned his selection by the Lions despite seeing his 2019 season hampered by injuries. In 10 games for the co-GNAC champions, Hammond finished 17 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. In 2018, Hammond earned Second Team All-GNAC honors after finishing with 17 tackles, 10 solo tackles, four sacks and five tackles for loss.

Although Corvallis, Oregon, is listed as his hometown, Hammond and his family maintain Canadian citizenship.

“When BC called and told me they were going to move and grab me in the third round, it was just an awesome feeling,” Hammond told the Western Oregon website. “To be put in a position with a team that is on the West Coast and closer to my family is a great opportunity. This way they can come watch me more often and I get to play in an area of the country I’m familiar with.”

John is the 18th Simon Fraser player to be selected in the CFL Draft in the school’s NCAA era. He is the Clan’s highest draft pick since Michael Couture was taken with the 10th pick of the 2016 draft by Winnipeg. Hammond is the second CFL Draft selection for Western Oregon in the GNAC era, joining Doug Parrish who was drafted in 2016 by Edmonton.