By Dashawn Stephens
Highly touted prospects, a new venue, appearances from big names in the CFL and Canadian football community, in a lot of ways, the CFL Ontario Regional Combine felt as big as the National Combine itself. The CFL did a great job of making this years’ Ontario showcase feel more important than it has ever been, and the athletes didn’t disappoint either.
We’re looking at three prospects who raised their draft stock at the 2022 CFL Ontario Regional Combine.
Honourable Mention: York Prospects
Despite being a program that has been hampered by struggle for the better part of the last 17 years, the York Lions always manage to have players who make their way to the combine and proceed to shock scouts - and fans - with their athleticism. This year was no different.
Daniel Amoako (DB) , Desi Dixon (DB) , Dante Mastroguiseppe (K), Kevin Musai (DL), and Talik Ehouman (DB) all put together exceptional performances at the Ontario Regional Combine.
With this becoming a yearly trend for the York Lions, one has to wonder whether or not this is a good look for the program. It’s definitely a good look for the players who participate in these combines. However, what does it say about a program if they are able to pump out talents such as Jesse Amankwaa, Alex Daley, Jamal Campbell, James Tuck, Chris Kolankowski, Jacob Janke, Colton Hunchak, Rossini Sandjong, Luther Hakunavanhu, Nikola Kalinic, Kayden Johnson, and now Daniel Amoako, but not attain regular season success?
It is widely known that for the better part of the last decade, the York Lions have always had one of the most athletic teams in the OUA, combine invitations, combine performances, and draft picks in recent years have proven exactly that. But, as years continue to pass, and more talented athletes find their way to the CFL - or in Kalinic’s case, the NFL - out of this program, fans will begin to wonder what exactly is going on that’s preventing them from unlocking their on-field potential as a team.
It’s beginning to seem quite suspicious, if you ask anyone.
1. Enoch Penney-Laryea
Position: Defensive Line
School: McMaster
In our Ontario Regional Combine watchlist article, we raved about the athleticism of McMaster defensive end Enoch Penney-Laryea, and not only did he deliver, he proved to be one of combines top athletes altogether.
Second fastest forty (4.64), second most reps on the bench press (27), highest vertical (36.50), and the second farthest broad jump (10’3”), the speed and explosiveness of the 5’11 213-pounder had scouts in awe.
The athleticism carried over to one-on-ones where Penney-Laryea continued to display speed and quickness off the line.
For many, Penney-Laryea’s showing bared similar resemblance to Jordan Williams’ performance at the 2020 Ontario Regional Combine. Putting up slightly better - but similar - numbers, while boasting a similar frame, along with freak athleticism, Williams was able to go from being a Regional Combine eye-opener to the first overall pick in that year’s draft.
Now, we’re not saying that Penney-Laryea is going to go first overall in the 2022 CFL Draft, but rest assured that his invitation to the National Combine proves that he has become a prospect that scouts are intrigued by and want to see more of.
2. Barnaba Niel
Position: Receiver
School: Waterloo
Another player that we highlighted in our Ontario Regional Combine Watchlist, Barnaba Niel was the subject of attention from scouts last Thursday.
As mentioned, Niel possesses a 6’4, 212Ib frame that is rare to find in a Canadian receiver. As a result, he was put to the test all afternoon. Niel participated in REC/DB drills, and had positive moments. A key takeaway is that due to his size, defensive backs have a hard time jamming him - especially when he gets a running start off the waggle.
In addition to running routes against defensive backs, Niel also received many reps in blocking drills against defensive ends, as scouts were eager to learn just how good of a blocker he truly is, given his frame. Niel proceeded to hold his own, and even had a few pancakes.
The final consensus on Niel is that he has the potential to be a versatile Canadian depth player in the CFL. He can be a lengthy addition to any team’s receiving corp, or he can take on a Nikola Kalinic-like role and be a key blocker for any team’s run game. It’s your choice.
3. Daniel Amoako
Position: Defensive Back
School: York
The Ajax, ON native had the fastest forty (4.54), farthest broad jump (10’5”), fastest three-cone drill (6.88), fastest shuttle (4.21), and the second highest vertical (35.5).
Amoako didn’t get invited to the National Combine in Toronto, but one has to believe that his impressive testing definitely went a long way in leaving a positive impression with scouts.
4. Adrian Greene
Position: Defensive Back
School: SMU
Can’t lie, It’s always odd when you have a player from another conference, such as the AUS, participating in the Ontario regional combine. Just the sheer unfamiliarity of their helmets make them standout among the crowd. SMU defensive back Adrian Greene definitely stood out at the Ontario Regional Combine, but for different reasons.
Greene began his day with great testing numbers, putting up 14 on the bench press, running a 4.67 forty, jumping a 34.5'“ vertical, and recording a 9’7” broad jump.
His testing numbers served as vindication his athleticism, but where he really won scouts over was during one-on-ones. For starters, Greene has good recovery speed - which is no surprise considering he ran a great forty. During moments where it seemed like he may have been beat, Greene was able to make up ground and get back into plays. With that being said, when Greene has a good start, it’s all but guaranteed that a receiver will be locked up on the play. On a day where defensive backs put together a clinic, Greene was definitely the top of the class.
With a generational group of receivers locked in to appear at the National Combine, Greene will have every opportunity to truly cement himself as one of the nation’s top defensive backs.
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