It’s finally here, Stamps fans.
The Rocky Mountains are glistening under that famous Calgary sunshine, sports cars are humming along Crowchild trail after their wintry slumber and it’s the eve of the 2023 CFL Draft.
Which means one thing: football season is back.
The draft begins at 6 p.m. MT on Tuesday, May 2. Fans can watch the first two rounds live on TSN and stream exclusive coverage of Rounds 3-8 live on TSN+.
Fans can also follow the draft with the CFL.ca Draft Tracker which will update every pick as it happens.
But before the draft arrives tomorrow evening, let’s take a look at some of the draft selections from years past that continue to produce for the Red and White.
Jalen Philpot – 2022
Selected fifth overall in the 2022 CFL Draft, University of Calgary Dino Jalen Philpot put together a promising rookie season.
The 22-year-old played 14 regular-season games in his rookie campaign including 11 starts and saw action both as a receiver and a kick returner. On offence, he made 23 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns and had 10 carries for 102 yards. On special teams, Philpot returned 21 kickoffs for 573 yards and a league-leading 27.3-yard average, one punt for 24 yards and two missed field goals for 35 yards.
The Surrey, B.C., native scored his first pro touchdown in Week 10 against his hometown Lions and found the back of the end-zone again in an overtime period against BC in Week 15.
Luther Hakunavanhu – 2021
Drafted with the 44th pick in the fifth round of the 2021 CFL Draft, receiver Luther Hakunavanhu has established himself as a reliable target for his quarterbacks through his first 19 career games.
After starting his rookie season on the practice roster, Hakunavanhu made his CFL debut in Week 7 at Hamilton and had four receptions for 88 yards including a 74-yard catch-and-run play.
The York Lion alum has hauled in 34 catches for 531 yards, averaging 15 yards per catch in his first two seasons. Now entering his third year with the team, the sky is the limit for the young receiver.
Charlie Moore – 2021
Plucked from the team’s own backyard, homegrown talent Charlie Moore was selected in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft.
While he’s only been in the league for two years, he’s already got a reputation as a punt block specialist. The former Dino has recorded a punt block in both seasons of his pro career with the first coming in his CFL debut against the Argonauts on Aug. 8, 2021 and then again last season in a Labour Day rematch against the Elks that set up an ensuing Calgary touchdown.
The Vanier Cup champion tied for second in special-teams tackles last season with 21.
Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund – 2020
Hailing from Dartmouth, N.S., defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund was taken third overall in the 2020 CFL Draft.
The Southeastern Louisiana alum solidified his spot amongst a stacked defensive line in 2022. He recorded the second-most sacks on the team with eight and racked up 17 defensive tackles, three special-teams tackles and one fumble recovery. The 26-year-old was named one of the league’s top performers after recording a career-high three sacks in a Week 21 win against Saskatchewan.
With the departure of defensive ends Folarin Orimolade and Shawn Lemon, Calgary faithful can trust that IAB will pick right up where the two veterans left off.
Zack Williams – 2019
Winnipeg product Zack Williams was selected with the 28th pick of the 2019 CFL Draft.
Williams started all 18 regular-season games at left guard and part of a unit that allowed just 17 sacks – 12 fewer than the next-best team in that category – and helped the Stampeders lead the CFL with 135.3 rushing yards per game, 21.8 yards more than runner-up Winnipeg.
After becoming a free agent following the 2022 season, the 26-year-old inked a two-year deal with the club on Jan. 9.
Off the field, the former Manitoba Bison gives back to the community. The past few months, Williams has visited elementary schools across Calgary to teach students football 101, as well as participating in the Stamps basketball program.
Ryan Sceviour – 2018
Another hometown selection for the Red and White, the team drafted offensive lineman Ryan Sceviour with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 CFL Draft.
The 27-year-old started all 18 regular-season games as well as the Western Semi-Final at right guard last season. In 2022 he was named a West Division all-star for the first time in his career as he was part of an offensive line that allowed just 17 sacks and helped the Stamps lead the CFL with 135.3 rushing yards per game. The offensive line aided all-star running back Ka’Deem Carey win the CFL rushing crown.
Off the field, Sceviour dedicates his time to community initiatives such as Hike for Hospice, Stamps basketball and school visits.
Derek Wiggan – 2014
Derek Wiggan was selected with the 34th pick in the fourth round of the 2014 CFL Draft.
The Toronto product has accumulated 143 defensive tackles, 15 sacks, three forced fumbles and one touchdown in his eight-year career.
In Week 10 last season, Wiggan played his 100th career regular-season game in the CFL and with the Stampeders. The Queen’s alum was voted by his teammates as the winner of the Presidents’ Ring for combining excellence on the field with leadership, inspiration and motivational skills.
