The Hamilton Tiger-Cats selected eight national players in tonight’s CFL draft, including offensive lineman Nathaniel Dumoulin Duguay in the first round, seventh overall.
Dumoulin-Duguay, 24, played in all eight games last season at Laval and was named a second-team all-Canadian. The 6’3, 293-pound native of Rimouski, Quebec, suited up in 20 games over his three seasons with the Rouge et Or, and was named a U Sports first-team all-Canadian in 2022 while helping the school capture the Vanier Cup that same season. Dumoulin-Duguay impressed at the CFL combine, posting the fastest 40-yard time for an offensive lineman and registering the third most bench press reps (25) overall. Before committing to Laval, Dumoulin-Dugay spent time in the Canadian Army.
Round 2 Pick 16:
Defensive lineman Luke Brubacher, 23, played in 10 games last season at Laurier, posting 18 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks. The 6’5, 246-pound native of Listowel, Ontario, played in a total of 27 games over three seasons (2021-23) for the Golden Hawks, posting 61 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, four passes defended and one forced fumble. Brubacher was an avid boxer and didn’t start playing football until his first season with the Golden Hawks (2021). He is expected to attend mini-camp with the National Football League’s New York Jets later this month.
Round 4 Pick 34:
Defensive back Daniel Bell, 22, played in eight games last season at Mount Allison University, posting 63 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack. The 6’1, 218-pound native of Saint John, New Brunswick, played in a total of 30 games over five seasons (2019-23) as a Mountie, posting 177 tackles, seven sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and six interceptions.
Round 4 Pick 36:
Running back Matthew Peterson, 23, suited up in 10 games last season at the University of Alberta, registering 1,317 yards on 158 carries and four touchdowns and was named the Canada West Player of the Year. The 5’10, 210-pound native of Brooks, Alberta, suited up in 32 games over his four seasons with the Golden Bears, registering 2,248 yards on 372 carries with eight rushing touchdowns while adding 56 receptions for 538 yards and three touchdowns.
Round 5 Pick 43:
Linebacker Ryan Baker, 24, suited up in 12 games last season at the University of British Columbia, registering 80 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, five passes defended, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. The 6’2, 220-pound native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, played 32 games over his five seasons with the Thunderbirds, registering 221 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 quarterback sacks, one interception seven passes defended, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
Round 6 Pick 52:
Defensive back Jonathan Giustini, 23, suited up for 10 games last season at the University of Alberta, where he registered 48 tackles, five interceptions, six passes defended and three fumble recoveries. The 5’10, 202-pound native of Calgary, Alberta played 35 games during his four seasons (2019-23) with the Golden Bears, registering 106 tackles, one tackle for loss, six interceptions, 14 passes defended and three fumble recoveries. Giustini displayed his versatility, making 67 field goals on 90 attempts (49 long) and punting for a total of 3,932 yards.
Round 7 Pick 61:
Offensive Lineman John Kourtis, 24, played nine games in his lone season (2023) at the University of Saskatchewan. The 6’4, 307-pound native of Toronto, Ontario began his collegiate career at Liberty University where he suited up in 34 games over five seasons (2018-22) as a Flame. Throughout his career, Kourtis saw time at both the centre and guard positions.
Round 8 Pick 70:
Defensive Lineman Mitchell Townsend, 22, suited up in 12 games last season at the University of British Columbia, where he registered 88 total tackles, to go with 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. The 6’3, 227-pound native of North Vancouver, British Columbia played in a total of 36 games during his four seasons (2019-23) with the Thunderbirds, registering 130 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six sacks and one touchdown.