Source: Earl Zukerman, McGill Communications Officer
MONTREAL – Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, a fourth-year medical student from McGill University and the top-ranked prospect for the upcoming Canadian Football League amateur draft, is featured in this week’s “March Madness” edition of Sports Illustrated, dated March 24, 2014. The 24-year-old native of St. Hilaire, Que., appears on a two-page spread in the “Scorecard” section under the headline “Heal Thyself”.
The 6-foot-5 offensive lineman, who now tips the scales at 321 pounds will be showcasing his talent and athletic prowess to NFL and CFL scouts with a “pro day” at a Montreal-area facility on March 27. This event is private and not open to the public. More than two dozen NFL teams are expected to send scouts, along with most CFL scouts. After his workout and testing sessions, he is scheduled to do interviews with prospective teams, then will be available at approximately 1:30 p.m. for media interviews.
A recipient of the J.P. Metras Trophy as the most outstanding lineman in CIS football, Duvernay-Tardif opted to hold his own workout day instead of attending the CFL combines evaluation camp in Toronto last weekend, primarily to allow for less time away from his pediatric rotations. The bye product of that decision was to give pro scouts from both leagues the opportunity to evaluate him at the same time and conditions.
A two-time CIS All-Canadian left tackle who captured the J.P. Metras trophy as Canadian university football's top lineman last fall, Duvernay-Tardif was one of only two CIS players selected to participate in the 89th East-West Shrine game at St. Petersburg, Fla., this past January, where he played at right tackle. A week later, he told TSN 690 in Montreal that was interviewed by about 20 NFL teams at that event, including 10 lengthy sit-downs.
The NFL draft is slated for May 8-10 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, while the CFL will hold its annual selection process via conference call on May 13.