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May 7, 2017

2017 Draft Class Recap

WINNIPEG, MB., May 7, 2017 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected eight players in the 2017 CFL Draft held tonight.

The Blue Bombers began the night by selecting Iowa defensive lineman Faith Ekakitie with the first overall selection.

Ekakitie (6-3, 290, Iowa, April 5, 1993 in Brampton, ON)  played in a career-high 13 games for the Hawkeyes during his senior season of 2016, recording 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, two knock downs and one fumble recovery. He was named the Hawkeyes’ Finish Strong award winner in 2016. Ekakitie saw action in 34 games during his time at Iowa.

After trading with Calgary, Winnipeg selected University of Manitoba Bisons offensive lineman Geoff Gray eighth overall.

Gray (6-6, 310, Manitoba, August 11, 1994 in Winnipeg, MB) was named the Canada West Outstanding Down Lineman of the Year,  a Canadian university first-team all-star, as well as a Canada West all-star. He played in all 32 games with Manitoba (starting 30) as well six playoff games, playing both guard and tackle.

With the 15th overall selection, Winnipeg chose McGill offensive lineman Qadr Spooner.

Spooner (6-4, 315, McGill, August 7, 1992 in Brossard, QC) played in the CIS East West Bowl this past season. He played in eight regular season games with four starts at left tackle, and two at left guard. Spooner was named a RESQ all-star and spent four seasons at McGill.

With their third round, 23rd overall selection, Winnipeg chose defensive back Abubakarr Conteh.

Conteh (6-2, 205, Grambling, October 2, 1995 in Winnipeg, MB) spent his final two collegiate seasons at Grambling. He recorded nine tackles in his senior season of 2016. Conteh is a Winnipeg native.

In the fourth round, 34th overall, Winnipeg selected Montreal punter/kicker Félix Ménard-Brière.

Ménard-Brière (5-10, 180, Montreal, February 6, 1993 in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC) Ménard-Brière was named to the 2016 All-Canadian first-team as a punter, after leading USports with a 42.4-yard average. He had 21 punts inside the 20-yard line. He added 17 field goals on 25 attempts last year.

In the sixth round, 50th overall, Winnipeg chose defensive lineman Ian Marouf.

Marouf (6-2, 270, Guelph, March 28, 1992 in Fort Erie, ON) played at Guelph before moving to the Hamilton Hurricanes. In 2015, Marouf recorded 25 tackles, three sacks, and one fumble recovery.

In the seventh round, 59th overall, Winnipeg selected receiver Brendon Thera-Plamondon.

Thera-Plamondon (6-2, 200, Calgary, December 29, 1994 in St. Albert, AB) spent four seasons with the Dinos. He missed the bulk of 2016, but recorded four catches for 55 yards in his return. He also caught five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown in two conference playoff games.

In the eighth round, 68th overall, Winnipeg selected Alberta receiver Tylor Henry.

Henry (5-10, 185, Alberta, April 25, 1993 in Camrose, AB) led Alberta in receiving in 2016 with 43 receptions for 611 yards. He set a Canada West record with 19 receptions in week 7 against Manitoba.