At the end of the 2018 CFL Draft, the Stampeders stayed local.

With the 68th overall selection, their eighth-round selection, they took University of Calgary linebacker Boston Rowe.

“He’s a local kid who attended my Dickenson Passing Academy,” said Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson. “We didn’t draft him because of that, but the guys gave me hell. I like to reward guys who work hard and are good people and I like the local kid. From top to bottom, we’re going to give everyone the same look.”

“It’s pretty cool,” said Rowe of being drafted to his hometown team. “It really hasn’t sunk in yet, I’m sure it will but I’m definitely thankful for the opportunity.”

A native of Calgary, Rowe spent his childhood watching the Stamps and was inspired to become a quarterback because of Smilin’ Hank.

“I was a big Stamps fan growing up,” admitted Rowe. “Ever since Henry Burris back in the day, so I grew up watching them and they were my number one team. Now here we are.”

He was recruited to the Dino’s as a quarterback, but after Rowe redshirted his freshman season, he was converted into a linebacker.

Over two seasons playing on the defensive side of the ball, Rowe became a valuable member of his team’s defence, even earning Canada West All-Star honours in 2016.

Now, as he starts his CFL career, Rowe may be once again changing positions. The Stampeders will test out the new recruit at fullback during rookie camp next week.

“I’ll play wherever,” stated Rowe. “That’s one of my strengths, I’m able to move around and be versatile.

“I want to show [the coaches] that I’ll be able to be versatile, move around, work extremely hard and make an impact wherever they need me.”

When rookie camp opens on May 17, Rowe will have a familiar face with him in fellow Dino’s teammate Ryan Sceviour, who was the Stamps’ top pick in the draft.

As the last of eight Dinos taken in the draft, Rowe saw and celebrated with each of his teammates as they were selected.

“It was awesome to be a part of,” said Rowe. “Even if I hadn’t been selected, to see them and see the journey for those guys and share in their success, that would have been good too.”