Local football player goes pro

by Ashley Davidson

A local football player has taken the next step to achieve his goal.

Derek Hurlock was invited to the Canadian Football League Combine on March 22. The six foot four inch tall defensive lineman played his last season with the Windsor AKO Fratmen where he was named an all-star.

Hurlock had 34 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his year with the Fratmen.
The combine is a way for scouts to look at potential CFL prospects. Hurlock said he hopes he made an impression.

“It was my first time at the combine,” said Hurlock. “It was a great experience and I thought I matched up well against the competition.”

Throughout the AKO season, head coach Mike LaChance said he knew Hurlock had great potential. LaChance had originally tried to get him out to play for AKO when he left high school. Hurlock chose instead to play for the Okanogan Sun in B.C. for two years, before playing for AKO.

LaChance said he has great faith in his player.

“I think he has a good chance to make it because of the combination of his versitality, physicality, athletic ability and most importantly, his coach-ability,” said LaChance. “Derek is one of the easiest players to coach that I have ever had. He literally is a coach’s dream.”

Hurlock said he hopes he impressed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a team who has shown interest in him before. Last spring he was invited to their training camp.

“I’m certain though that if the Tiger-Cats give Derek Hurlock an opportunity he will not allow that chance to slip away,” said LaChance. “I am looking forward to watching him play the next decade in the CFL.”