April 25, 2017

Prospect Profile: Johnny Augustine relying on versatility

Arthur Ward/CFL.ca

TORONTO — For CFL Draft prospects, setting yourself apart from the rest may seem like a daunting task.

That’s why 2017 CFL Draft prospect Johnny Augustine is hoping his versatility will make him stand out from the crowd.

Augustine showed scouts, general mangers and coaches at the 2017 CFL Combine presented by Adidas that he could act as a running back and as a pass-catcher out of the back field.

The Guelph alum impressed at the combine in Regina, Sask. during the one-on-ones. He first participated as a running back against the linebackers before returning to the field as a receiver to match-up against the defensive backs.

“I feel like I’m another receiver on the field and I can be lined up,” Augustine said. “I’m willing to play other receiver positions so that’s how my game as evolved over the years.”

Augustine talked to CFL.ca in a one-on-one interview at this year’s combine, which can be seen below:

 

While the 5-foot-9, 202-pounder proved what he could do with the ball during the one-on-ones, he also wants GMs and scouts to know what he can do without it. He also proved his strength during the bench press, benching 22 reps.

“That’s what I think really sometimes defines who is a true player, is what they can do without the ball,” he said. “I love pass blocking. If I don’t have the ball, I’m going to smack someone in the head. But I think that’s who, over the years, I’ve defined myself as: the guy who doesn’t need the ball 30 times or 40 times.”

As a member of the Guelph Gryphons, Augustine rushed for 282 yards and three major scores in six games this season. In 2015, the Guelph, Ont. native helped his team to a Yates Cup victory – what he calls the biggest football moment of his career.

“When I held that Yates Cup, I was just like, ‘this is why I play football'”, Augustine remembered. “There’s no better feeling than after the game when the boys are going crazy. That’s why I play football.”

Augustine will hope that his versatility will help catch the eye of a CFL team when the 2017 CFL Draft gets underway May 7.