SASKATOON A University of Saskatchewan Huskies player is the first defensive back to be selected with a top two pick in the CFL Draft since 2008. “Extremely excited when they called my name, I don t even know how to describe the emotions I felt, but I m beyond excited to be a part of it,” said Nelson Lokombo, who the Saskatchewan Roughriders nabbed with the second overall pick. “I m hoping to come in and learn the system and do whatever I can to help the team. Whether it be getting a starting role or helping out on special teams, I think that I can make an impact any way.”
REGINA Two Saskatchewan-born University of Regina football players will be trading in their green and gold for blue and gold, after being selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2021 CFL Draft on Tuesday night. Linebacker Robbie Lowes, drafted in the fourth round, and running back Kyle Borsa, drafted in the fifth round, will be heading to Winnipeg together for the Bombers’ training camp in July. “I’m just so blessed to be a Winnipeg Blue Bomber,” Borsa said. “I’m so thankful that they see something in me when I know a lot of the other teams didn’t.”
“I’m glad that they did and I’m excited to get going,” Lokombo said.
Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day said the team feels Lokombo can come in and be an impact player.
“(He could) have a long career here in the CFL. Obviously there’s projections that we’re doing here but we feel like he’s a special talent,” O’Day said.
The 5’11”, 190-pound defensive back played in 30 games for the Huskies, recording 115 tackles, 10 interceptions and three sacks.
Lokombo, who is from Abbotsford, B.C., was named the U Sports defensive player of the year in 2019.
“These past four years have been an eye-opener for the culture change and how different the culture from B.C. to the culture in Saskatchewan. The love of the game is huge (in Saskatchewan),” Lokombo said. “I’m excited to just be able to stay (in Saskatchewan) and not be too far away from my alma mater.”