Mac strutting their stuff at CFL tryout camp

A handful of McMaster Marauders have been invited to next week’s CFL regional and national combines in Toronto, which means they stand a pretty good chance of being drafted in May.

At 6 foot 4, 330 pounds, Adam Dickson will be the largest defensive lineman at next week’s tryout camp. “I’m a little faster than I look, maybe I can do some of the events better and hopefully show myself in the drills and 1 on 1’s. I think that’s the biggest part, proving myself in the 1 on 1’s, stuff like that.”

Linebacker Aram Eisho — who led the Marauders with 45 tackles last season — has also been invited to strut-his-stuff at the one-day regional combine, while defensive back Steve Ventresca is one of two Marauders invited to the three-day “national” combine.

A lingering leg injury will keep him from participating in the physical drills, but there’s been enough interest from CFL teams that they want Ventresca there to take part in the interview portion of the process.

“I know when to make big plays and when to take chances. I’ve played in the big game, so i’m experienced. I know what it takes to play at the next level because I’ve played against the best teams in Canada. That’s definitely a huge factor that they’re looking for.”

Kicker Tyler Crapigna is Mac’s other national combine candidate. His special teams partner for the last four years — long snapper Kevin Malcolm — has been invited to the regional event in Toronto, but says CFL teams should consider the benefit of drafting them together.

“I think there would be, just because we know our likes and dislikes. I know where he wants the ball, so I think it would be beneficial.”

All of next week’s tryout camps will help CFL teams prepare their top-prospect lists, in advance of the 2014 draft on May 13th.