Athletes from across Canada will converge in Regina this week for the Canadian Football League’s Combine.
12 receivers, including University of Saskatchewan standout Daniel Wiebe, are among the 92 prospects who will undergo individual testing and drills.
Wiebe is coming off his best statistical season with the Huskies, recording 66 receptions for 923 yards in 11 games. He told The SportsCage he's excited to build on those numbers in front of CFL teams.
“I think it's really believing in myself and trust in that. Trusting in my abilities, going out there and not overthinking too much, just going and playing.”
The individual athletic tests include the 40-yard dash, three-cone, short shuttle, vertical, broad jump and bench press. Wiebe wants to do well in all events, but he doesn’t dwell on them.
“There are definitely goals -- I should try not to get too wrapped up in those. At the same time, I think there's a balance between what you want to run and what you do. I'm going to go out there, do my best and see what comes of that.”
Heading into the combine, Wiebe has been talking with Huskies alumni who have made their way to the CFL, such as Riley Pickett, Nelson Lokombo, Noah Zerr, Nathan Cherry, and Josh Haggerty. Their message has been clear.
“Believe in yourself, go and play and understand you got the ability, just go show it.”
The five-foot-10, 190-pound Wiebe be joined by teammates, linebackers Seth Hundeby and Lane Novak at the combine.
“We've been a really tight-knit group and going off each other, motivating each other to be great during those lifts and runs. Being there with them makes training a lot easier. It's an individual thing at the combine, but you also got all your boys' support.
In addition to the on-field evaluations, all nine CFL teams have the opportunity to interview the players. Wiebe has been preparing for those conversations.
“That's a huge part of it. I've been asking some of those CFL buddies who've went through the process. I’ve been getting little insights of what that might look like.”
Weibe expects his nerves to build throughout the week leading up to the combine, but he knows the opportunity in front of him.
“It's been a lifelong goal to be able to get to this point and potentially have an opportunity to go play pro. It's been a lot of work. It's great to have this opportunity -- I'm really excited.”
Athletes will be on the field for the first time on Friday morning at the AffinityPlex.
