University of Toronto Varsity Blues offensive lineman Danny Sprukulis was selected 46th overall by the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in the 2017 Canadian Football League (CFL) draft on Sunday night (May 7).
Standing at 6-foot-5, 310-pounds, Sprukulis (Oakville, Ont.) has started in all eight regular season games for the Varsity Blues in the past four seasons. He was invited to the 2016 East West Bowl and was named a member of the OUA all-rookie team and U of T's male rookie of the year across all sports in 2013.
"I couldn't be happier," said Sprukulis. "Thank you to U of T for all the help and development. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way. It is great to be apart of the CFL."
Sprukulis' selection marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons that a Varsity Blues player has been selected in the Canadian draft.
Defensive back Hugo Lopez was drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos (14th overall) in 2011, while linebacker Wilkerson DeSouza was taken in the sixth round in 2012. Four Varsity Blues in Aaron Milton, Alex Pierzchalski, Aaron Wheaton and Christopher Johnson were drafted in 2014, while Kevin Bradfield was selected 55th overall in the 2015 draft. Last season, both DJ Sackey and Llevi Noel were selected by their hometown Toronto Argonauts, with Sackey being chosen 13th overall.