By Benny Walchuk
May 5, 2021 6:44 AM
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have selected defensive back Nelson Lokombo in the first round (second overall) of the 2021 CFL Draft.
Lokombo (5’11-190lbs) comes off a sensational 2019 season, winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the country’s best stand-up defensive player.
During that season he made 39 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, five interceptions, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble
The Roughriders also selected receiver Terrell Jana, tight end Bruno Labelle, defensive lineman Alain Cimankinda, offensive lineman Logan Bandy and defensive back Matt Watson
“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.”
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