Andrew Becker dreams of playing the CFL.
As with other young athletes reaching a critical juncture in their athletic careers at this time, Becker is finding the COVID-19 pandemic is somewhat of a nightmare.
Because of the outbreak the CFL cancelled its off-season combines–including Friday’s Western Regional Combine. Speaking with Derek Taylor on Tuesday’s Sports Cage, Becker recalls when he got the cancellation news last week.
“I was disappointed, for sure. We put in a lot of time and effort into training for this. But definitely understanding that safety and personnel safety comes first.”
For draft eligible players the combine gives them a chance to show their raw athleticism to scouts. The players are tested in a 40-yard sprint, various agility drills, the bench press and 1-on-1 drills that simulate game situations. It’s something Becker has been training for very seriously.
“We started right after the season training for this,” he says. “It ramped up to most days doing about two times a day on the field or in the gym.
“I was super excited. Training was going really well and we were just building off a strong East-West Bowl performance, hoping to improve on those numbers.”
Becker was looking forward to showing all nine CFL teams that he’s a well-rounded athlete. For now the scouts have just his game tape to rely on.
“I think my numbers (from the combine) would have helped. But I think I put a good product on film and I’m just hoping that teams are willing to take a chance on me, regardless.”
Perhaps the biggest loss in that teams won’t see him in the 1-on-1 drills versus other draft eligible talent. And they won’t get to see his versatility up close. Becker has played both guard spots and centre in his 3+ seasons with the Rams.
“I think I’ve been able to establish myself on the interior of the line these last two years. And I think teams will just be happy that I can be versatile and can play anywhere. So, I’m hoping they see me, in case of injury, that I’m a guy that can be slotted in wherever.”
Six other Regina players were to feature in the Western Regional Combine:
Defensive back Brandon Brooks, running back Trey Campbell, offensive lineman Theren Churchill, and defensive linemen Brandon McKimmon and Eric Wicijowski, all from the Rams and receiver Greg Lamb of the Regina Thunder.
