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27 PLAYERS SELECTED IN THE FIRST CFL LFA DRAFT IN MEXICO CITY

By Lucas Barrett Manager, Communications & Public Affairs, Canadian Football League

DIEGO JAIR VIAMONTES SELECTED FIRST OVERALL BY EDMONTON

Monday, January 14, 2019 — Monday, January 14, 2019 — MEXICO CITY – Following a combine in Mexico hosted by Mexico’s Liga de Futbol Americano Profesional (LFA), the LFA and the Canadian Football League (CFL) conducted a three-round draft in Mexico City’s Crowne Plaza Hotel that saw CFL teams select 27 players from the LFA.With the first overall pick, Edmonton selected wide receiver Diego Jair Viamontes, who plays for the Mexico City Mayas.

Below is a recap of the first round of the CFL LFA draft. A full report can be found HERE.

SelectionTeamNamePositionTeam
1EDMDiego Jair ViamontesWRMayas CDMX (LFA)
2OTTJose Carlos MaltosKFundidores Monterrey (LFA)
3MTLEnrique Gerardo YennyKBorregos ITESM Tol (University)
4TORUriel MartinezDETigres UANL (University)
5HAMJosé Humberto NoriegaWRAztecas UDLAP (University)
6SSKRene Francisco BrasseaOLFundidores Monterrey (LFA)
7BCOctavio Noé GonzalezDLFundidores Monterrey (LFA)
8WPGSergio SchiafinnoDBDinos Saltillo (LFA)
9CGYAndres SalgadoWRCondors CDMX (LFA)

First overall pick Diego Jair Viamontes said the following after his selection: “I met with many coaches of all the teams but with the Edmonton coaches I was really chatting about football, about why I love to play, what was my biggest dream and I felt a connection. I’m very grateful for today. I’m very thankful for the organization of the Edmonton Eskimos for putting this trust in me. They won’t regret it.”

Prior to the 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw last year in Edmonton, the CFL and LFA signed a letter of intent that will see them work together on several projects including possible CFL games in Mexico.

CFL teams are scheduled to open their training camps for the 2019 season on Sunday, May 19. The season begins on Thursday June 13 when the Saskatchewan Roughriders face off against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Edmonton will host Montreal on Friday June 14 and the Calgary Stampeders will launch the defense of their championship on Saturday June 15 when they host the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Opening week wraps up with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers travelling to BC to play the Lions.

The 107th Grey Cup presented by Shaw will be played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Sunday November 24 at 6 p.m. ET (4 p.m. local time).

For the entire 2019 CFL schedule, click here. CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie greets Diego Jair Viamontes, the first overall selection in the CFL LFA Draft in Mexico City. Photo credit: LFA.mx See More Full CFL LFA Draft Results

About the Canadian Football League

Today’s CFL is more than just our great game of football. It’s fans sharing their excitement for what they see on the field, and what they experience off it. Stay up to date on all the non-stop action at CFL.ca. And join all of Canada as we celebrate the 106th Grey Cup, presented by Shaw, this November in Edmonton.

 

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