Stay linked to argonauts.ca leading into draft day for more exclusive coverage of the CFL Canadian Draft. Stay connected on May 2 for videos, blogs, photos and much more.
________________________________________
CFL.CA STAFF
TORONTO — Two years ago playing professional football would have seemed absurd to Waterloo offensive lineman Joel Reinders. Now, with only two years of organized football under his belt the 6’ 8” tackle has league scouts salivating over his potential.
Reinders ranks 11th on the CFL Amateur Scouting Bureau’s final list of the top Canadian prospects heading into the May 2nd draft. It is Reinders’ first appearance on the list.
The former Warriors basketball player’s draft stock has risen steadily since he participated in the 2009 East-West Bowl following his rookie season and spiked following last month’s CFL Evaluation Camp presented by Reebok in Toronto.
“Great feet, and you can’t teach [height]. He did really well today, he’s really come a long way since the first time we’d seen him,” said CFL.ca draft analyst Miles Gorrell following Reinders on field testing during E-Camp.
The big man’s work ethic and desire to keep getting better should also help his professional aspirations.
“I’m big and Canadian with a nagging desire to be the best,” says Reinders.
“Physically I fit the template to be a CFL offensive tackle – I’ve played right tackle so far but I’m anxious for left because it’s considered to be the higher skilled position. I won’t settle for second best.”