Photo courtesy of AllSportMedia.ca
Thursday morning the CFL revealed the players that have been invited to the 2025 National Combine from March 21-23 and will take place in Regina.
Like most previous years, there are some familiar CJFL faces that have been invited and will attempt to show off their skills catching the eye of CFL coaches and scouts. This is the final time draft eligible players will be able to display their craft in live action in front of the representatives of the CFL.
Linebacker Chopper Hippe played for the Edmonton Wildcats and was simply outstanding in 2018 and 2019. He was named the Prairie Conference Rookie of the Year in 2018 after collecting 35 solo tackles, three assisted stops, two quarterback sacks, blocked a kick, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass. Then in 2019 he led the Conference with 49 solo tackles.
Defensive back Dolani Robinson (pictured) played for the Westshore Rebels for two seasons in 2021 and 2022. When he first got to the Rebels he was on the offensive side of the ball as a receiver and made 13 receptions for 123 yards while also returning 15 kicks for 151 yards. The following season he made the jump to defence and really hit his stride collecting 33 solo tackles, had nine assisted stops, an interception, knocked down three passes and recovered a fumble. He was named a BC Conference All-Star.
Offensive lineman Connor Klassen played a major role for the Regina Thunder in 2021 and 2022. He would help make the Thunder running attack one of the most feared across the country. In 2022 he was named a CJFL First Team All-Canadian and helped the Thunder to host the Canadian Bowl that season. He was named a Prairie Conference All-Star in both 2021 and 2022.
Defensive back Mack Bannatyne played for the Calgary Colts in 2019 and made an impact in the secondary. During the regular season he made 15 solo tackles, assisted on 10 others, collected five knockdowns and intercepted a pass, returning it 17 yards.
These four former CJFLers will join a cast of other draft hopefuls in mid-March to try and solidify their place ahead of the 2025 CFL Draft on April 29th.
Photo courtesy of Louis Christ Photography
Photo courtesy of AllSportMedia.ca
Photo courtesy of Wanda Harron Photography