Two Sky Players Selected in CFL Draft
Montana kicker Brody McKnight and Weber State tight end Tyrell Francisco were both selected in the Canadian Football League Draft over the weekend.
McKnight, a senior from Vancouver, British Columbia, was selected in the first round with the eighth overall selection by the Montreal Alouettes.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder has kicked for the Grizzlies for three seasons, and will return in 2011 for his final campaign before heading to the CFL. He made 14 of 18 field goals with a long of 53 yards last season, earning second-team All-Big Sky honors.
“It is a very humbling experience and just sort of a reflection of what football at The University of Montana is all about,’’ McKnight said. “We work hard here at Montana and we send a lot of guys to the pros. I’m very humbled and grateful, and I owe everything to my teammates, my mom and dad, my coaches, and my family and friends.’’
Francisco, a 6-3, 250-pound senior from Kelowna, British Columbia, was selected in the fifth round with the 36th overall selection by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Francisco missed the 2010 season with an injury. In 34 career games, he has 14 receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns. He will return in 2011 for his senior season.
The CFL draft is open to eligible players from Canadian Universities, as well as Canadian players in the NCAA.