SASKATOON, SK - On Tuesday night (April 30) three more Huskies were added to the list of student-athletes selected in the CFL Draft, bringing the total for the University of Saskatchewan football program to 79.
Nick Wiebe,
John Kourtis, and
George Idoko became the latest to join the list, marking the fifth consecutive year in which at least three Huskies have been picked.
Huskies Selected in the 2024 CFL Draft
Nick Wiebe led the way for the Huskie draftees and will be staying in-province after being selected 12th overall in the 2nd round by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The 6-foot-3, 240lb linebacker and reigning conference defensive player of the year was the first member of Canada West to be taken off the board after completing a career year with the Huskies in 2023. Wiebe became the 10th Canada West most outstanding defensive player after leading the conference and finishing third in the nation in total tackles with 60.5. Wiebe was also named a unanimous conference all-star and U SPORTS first team all-Canadian. Since joining the Huskies from the University of Oregon Ducks, Wiebe has totaled 162.5 tackles, 5 sacks, and three forced fumbles while helping lead one of Canada West's best defensive units.
Going just one round after Wiebe was defensive lineman
George Idoko, who will be taking his talents to his hometown team, the Calgary Stampeders, after being selected 28th overall. The 6-foot-3 245lb edge rusher contributed to one of the nation's most dominant defensive front sin 2023, which finished third in the nation in sacks (22) and top 10 in tackles for a loss (42). For Idoko the 2023 season was his most productive to date, earning 3 sacks and 14 tackles on his way to earning a unanimous Canada West all-star selection and the first U SPORTS all-Canadian nod of his career. In four seasons with the Huskies Idoko has totaled 43 tackles, 4 sacks, and two forced fumbles while appearing in 40 games.
Rounding out the University of Saskatchewan representation on Tuesday night was offensive lineman
John Kourtis, who was selected in the 7th round, 61st overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The product of Toronto, Ontario has helped lead the way for the Huskies up front while contributing to one of Canada West's most efficient offences over the past few seasons. A versatile player having lined up at both centre and guard in the green and white, Kourtis' presence and leadership will be surely be missed. Kourtis also became the second member of his family to be selected in the CFL draft Tuesday night, joining his brother Peter who was selected by the Edmonton Elks in the 2021 draft.
Later this week the next generation of future CFL draft picks will continue their pursuit to the pros as they take the field for 2024 Spring Camp.
