May 18, 2016
They are just prospects now, but they hope to soon to be opening some eyes and dropping jaws with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football brain trust.
Bombers’ GM Kyle Walters announced Wednesday the signing of three players from the club’s 2016 Canadian Football League Draft class: offensive lineman Zachary Intzandt (fifth round, 37th overall), defensive lineman Rupert Butcher (sixth round, 46th overall) and linebacker Frank Renaud (eighth round, 63rd overall).
All three are expected to be on the field for the opening of rookie camp next week.
Walters, meanwhile, had no update on the contract negotiations with the other five players selected – defensive end Trent Corney, offensive lineman Michael Couture, defensive back Taylor Loffler, linebacker Shayne Gauthier and receiver Alex Vitt.
As a refresher, here’s a recap on the three that have signed and the comments Walters made on each back on draft night:
Intzandt (6-5, 298, McMaster, born in London, Ont.) was a two-year starter with the Marauders at right guard. As a junior, he earned second team OUA All-Star Honours, and as a senior was named a first team OUA All-Star.
Walters on Intzandt:
“He’s a developmental offensive lineman, whether he spends a year on the practice roster or goes back to school. Physically, he’s got all the tools, he just needs some seasoning. He’s 300 pounds and looks the part.”
Butcher (6-5, 320, Western, born in London, Ont.) played in the CIS East-West Bowl as a senior after posting 10.5 tackles and three sacks in eight games. That year, he was named an OUA first team all-star. Called a ‘sleeper’ on draft night by TSN draft guru Duane Forde.
Walters on Butcher:
“He’s an interesting guy. He’s a big man at 6-4, 330 pounds. The knock on him at Western was the consistency of effort. And for a really big man you saw on film he would flash some things and from time to time you would go, ‘Wow, a guy that big is just dominating.’”
Renaud (6-1, 215, Windsor, born in Windsor Ont.) played three seasons with the Lancers. During that span he made 120.5 tackles and added 7.5 sacks. He also forced seven fumbles and recovered three more.
Walters on Renaud:
“He was at the East-West Bowl last year (2015) and tore his ACL. So we went back to the 2014 film and he graded out as a phenomenal football player. He’s a special teams player who has a clean bill of health.”
