Esks.com Staff
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have selected defensive tackle Ted Laurent (6-1, 303lbs) from the University of Mississippi in the CFL Supplemental Draft in exchange for the clubs’ second round pick in the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft.
Laurent, who was born in Montreal but moved to Georgia at age 12, started 21 games at defensive tackle and nose tackle for Ole Miss. As a senior In 2010, Laurent posted 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks and played in the East-West Shrine Game. In high school he was ranked #16 player in Georgia, and the #19 defensive player in the nation by Rivals.com.
“We’re very pleased to have secured Ted’s rights and to do so without giving up a first rounder was a pleasant surprise,” said Eskimos general manager Eric Tillman.
“Over the weekend, I was in contact with Ted and his agent, John Owens. The NFL is still a very viable option for them but they are intrigued by our league, especially given Ted’s Canadian roots. Clearly our conversations will take on a much more serious tone now that we have drafted Ted,” he added.
“The draft is always a roll of the dice, and there are many dynamics, including the NFL labour dispute which will factor into their decision making process. Regardless of how this unfolds, we’re very hopeful Ted will be an Eskimo at some point in his career. It’s our job now to accelerate that time line if possible by articulating the many advantages offered by playing in the CFL,” concluded Tillman.
The supplemental draft is for any player who didn’t receive official non-import status from the CFL and CFLPA until after the CFL Canadian Draft.
The supplemental draft works a bit like an auction. Teams have the option of giving up a pick in next year’s CFL Canadian Draft in exchange for the rights to an eligible player, but they can be trumped by a team willing to part with a higher pick in next year’s draft. As a result, the player eventually goes to the team most willing to forfeit a higher pick next year.
The team with the highest waiver priority makes its offer last, meaning they have the last chance to match any previous offer.
Eskimo Rookie Camp runs June 1 – 3 in Edmonton. Training Camp 2011 opens Sunday, June 5th at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton.
