London, ON - The future path to a professional football career became a little more real for four of the members of our Western Mustangs Football team on Tuesday night at the CFL Draft.

The U SPORTS Defensive Lineman of the Year Deionte Knight was the first to hear his name called, coming at that start of the 2nd round,10th overall to the Toronto Argonauts. Knight would join Mustangs alumni Dylan Giffen in double blue for the Argonauts if he joins the CFL club. Knight has invitations to NFL rookie camps in a few weeks with both Washington & Tampa Bay.
 
The next Mustang to be selected was just a few picks later at 16th overall and that was offensive lineman Zack Fry who was picked by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The London native has been an impact player on the Mustangs offensive line since coming in to the OUA and will look to move his talents to the next level and will no doubt have a big impact on one of the most passionate CFL markets in the country.
 
In the 4th round, the Ottawa Redblack selected London's own Daniel Valente Jr. with the 31st pick overall. Valente is coming off a season where he was named an OUA All-Star, U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and topped it off by being named Vanier Cup Defensive Player of the Game. Valente has brought speed, agility, intensity and character to the Mustangs during his time in purple and white and now looks to take that to the next level in the nations capital.

"Super pumped to get to go to Ottawa and play in a beautiful city with 2 western alums in Jordan Beaulieu and Shaq Johnson, I know I'll feel right at home!" said Valente Jr. "It was a long day for sure. Waiting around was getting anxious but it was totally worth it. Great feeling to finally get the call."
 
In the 8th round, it was Zach Lindley's turn to have his name called and it happened with the 69th overall pick from the Montreal Alouettes. Lindley had 39.5 tackles this season for the Mustangs and added 2 interceptions and a sack. He was named an OUA Second-Team All-Stars.

"I really just tried to stay positive and optimistic throughout the whole process and I'm unbelievably grateful that I get the opportunity with Montreal." said Lindley "I think the atmosphere at the Vanier was incredible and I'm looking forward to playing in front of fans that are passionate about their football."
 
Congratulations to all four Mustangs on hearing their names called at the next level.