The 2025 CFL Combine wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, and Saskatchewan-born talent continued to shine.
“It’s awesome ... Saskatchewan produces a lot of good football players and it’s good to see that paying off for those guys too,” Daniel Wiebe, a USask receiver, told CTV News. “It’s good to see talent from Saskatchewan coming up.”
Wiebe was given an honourable mention for his performance over the weekend.
The receiver had the fastest short shuttle time (3.95 seconds), placed fourth for vertical jump (37 inches), and tied for fifth in his 40 yard dash time (4.52 seconds).
“It’s exciting. You know, it’s good to have your work pay off a little bit, but just still working towards that goal and not there yet,” Wiebe added.
“Just stay focused, keep working hard.”
Connor Klassen, offensive lineman with the University of Regina also had a strong finish to his weekend.
“I think I showed my competitiveness,” he shared.
“I had three or four really good blocks where I put guys in ground and I think I learned a lot from the coaches and kind of things I need to work on but I’m happy with the weekend.”
Klassen had previously been invited to the Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp after being named the Prairie Football Conference’s top offensive lineman in 2022 during his time playing with the Regina Thunder in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL).
During his football career, the Big River-born athlete shared that he has made many friends who came out to support him over the weekend.
“It’s really special ... I’ve played with some of the guys that are here for six years now and we’re really tight and really good friends. And if they were in this position I’d be here watching them. So definitely friendships that are going to last a lifetime,” Klassen said.
“A lot of the Rams came out, a lot of coaches, and then my family came too. So, you know, it’s just extra special to have your people in your corner here.”
Wiebe also shared that having friends and family around for the weekend was special. The receiver grew up on a farm near Rosetown, and several people made the trip to cheer him on.
“When I heard it was in Regina I was super excited. You know, close to home, just a couple hour drive away ... my mom’s out here now, couple of friends, my dad was here yesterday, so it’s been a lot of support.” Wiebe said.
The two Saskatchewan-born athletes both shared that they’re happy to have had the opportunity to show off their skills among the 75 invited to the combine - being sure to note that the job is not done yet.
“It’s kind of going to be a waiting game for the draft. Obviously, getting my name called would be special,” Klassen said. “But just until then, you know, finish my semester at school on a high note and get back to the Rams and kind of back into my leadership role.”
“It was definitely another step along the path and just getting drafted, you know, that’s the next step and making a team, that’s the big one,” Wiebe said.
“So lots of work to do. Lots of grinding still left.”
