May 31, 2012

Heenan, rest of draft class sign deals with Riders

Riderville.com Staff

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed all four of their 2012 Canadian Draft picks. 

Non-import offensive lineman Ben Heenan, non-import linebacker Samuel Hurl, non-import linebacker Kevin Regimbald-Gagne and non-import wide receiver Ismael Bamba have agreed to contracts.

Financial details of the signings were not released.

Heenan (6’4 – 310) was selected by the Riders with the first overall selection in the 2012 Canadian Draft.  The offensive lineman spent four seasons at the University of Saskatchewan where he helped the Huskies to three Canada West regular season titles and four straight playoff appearances. 

While with the Huskies, Heenan picked up a number of CIS Awards including 2008 Canada West Rookie of the Year; 2010 and 2011 Canada West All-Star; 2010 First Team CIS All-Canadian; 2011 Second Team All-Canadian and played in the East-West Shrine Game. 

Prior to joining the U of S, the Grand Coulee native was a standout offensive lineman at Sheldon Williams high school in Regina.

Hurl (6’1 – 225) was selected in the second round (12th overall) by the Riders.  The linebacker played three seasons in his hometown at the University of Calgary.  Hurl has twice been named the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year and led the Dino’s last season with 97 defensive tackles and four tackles for a loss.

Regimbald-Gagne (6’1 – 230) was the Riders fifth round pick (35th overall).  The native of Rouyn-Norand, QC attended the University of Sherbrooke where he was a standout linebacker.  In 2011, Regimbald-Gagne was named a First Team CIS All-Canadian after registering 40 defensive tackles. He was also named to the RSEQ all-star team in each of the past two seasons.       

Bamba (6’1 – 195) was selected in the sixth round (39th overall) by the green and white. Last season, Bamba played his senior year with the University of Sherbrooke where he finished with 50 receptions for 543 yards and four touchdowns. 

He also added 12 kick returns for 310 yards and one touchdown and 18 punt returns for 208 yards and one touchdown. Prior to transferring to Sherbrooke, Bamba spent two seasons at the University of North Dakota.      

The Riders have also announced that they have invited three members of the Regina Thunder Junior Football Club to participate in training camp.  Quarterback Asher Hastings, wide receiver Clay Cooke and defensive tackle Zach Evans will be in uniform when Rookie Camp opens Thursday, May 31.