2023: Blue Bombers

The Blue Bombers selected Schmekel in the 4th round, 35th overall, in the 2023 CFL Draft and he spent the entire year with the club, dressing for five games and spending the rest of his time on the practice roster. He made his CFL debut in the club’s season-opening win over Hamilton.

College:

Schmekel was a 2022 U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star. The defensive lineman started all eight games at defensive tackle in 2022, registering six tackles for loss including a pair of sacks during conference play. The three-time University of Regina Defensive Lineman of the Year finished the season with a total of 14 tackles (11 solo, 6 assisted) and a pass breakup.
Schmekel redshirted with the Rams in 2017 before starting all eight games in 2018 and leading the team’s linemen in tackles, finishing with 16½ and adding 1½ tackles for loss. He then played for the Regina Thunder (CJFL) in 2019 before returning to the Rams in 2021.