The Hamilton Tiger-Cats loaded up on Canadian talent with seven selections in Sunday’s CFL Canadian Draft.

The Ticats began the draft by trading their first round (5th overall) selection to the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for a pair of second round (10th and 13th) picks.  With those selections, the Ticats selected UConn offensive lineman Moe Petrus and Concordia defensive tackle Maurice Forbes.

Petrus, a 6-2, 281-pound native of St. Laurant, Quebec has been a three-year starter at centre and guard while Forbes, 6-3, 300-pound native of Mississauga, recorded 20.5 tackles, 2.5 quarterback sacks, six tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles with the Stingers last season. 

With back-to-back picks in the third round, the Black and Gold chose a pair of Laval teammates.

With the 20th selection, the Ticats acquired Marc-Antoine Fortin, a 6-4, 245-pound defensive lineman, who made 14 tackles, two quarterback sacks, three tackles for a loss and two interceptions with the Rouge et Or in 2010.  

Offensive lineman Pascal Baillargeon was selected with the 21st pick.  The 6-5, 300-pound native of St-Anselme, Quebec was a first-team All-Canadian in 2009 and a RSEQ All-Star in 2009 and 2010. 

Using a pair of fifth round selections, the Ticats picked Howard LB Patrick Jean-Mary and Weber State tight end Tyrell Francisco. 

Jean-Mary, a 6-2. 230-pound native of Laval, Quebec has made 110 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one blocked kick during his NCAA career.  He is expected to return to Howard in 2011. 

Fransico, a 6-3, 250-pound native of Kelowna, British Columbia has caught 14 passes for 147 yards in three seasons at Weber State.

With their final pick of the draft, the Black and Gold selected BYU linebacker Jadon Wagner.  The 6-4, 246-pound native of Lethbridge, Alberta racked up 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss and one quarterback sack in 2010. 

Petrus, Jean-Mary and Francisco are expected to return to their respective schools for their final season of NCAA eligibility in 2011.