May 30, 2011
Edmonton Eskimos
ESKS.com Staff
(Edmonton) The Edmonton Eskimos have selected defensive tackle Ted Laurent (6-1, 303lbs) from the University of Mississippi in the CFL Supplemental Draft in exchange for the club’s second round pick in the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft.
Laurent ,who was born (Jan 1, 1988) in Montreal but moved to Georgia at age 12, started 21 games at defensive tackle and nose tackle for Ole Miss. As a senior in 2010, Laurent posted 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks and played in the East-West Shrine Game. In high school he was ranked #16 player in Georgia, and the #19 defensive player in the nation by Rivals.com.
Eskimo General Manager Eric Tillman says, “”We’re very pleased to have secured Ted’s rights and to do so without giving up a first rounder was a pleasant surprise. Over the weekend, I was in contact with Ted and his agent, John Owens. The NFL is still a very viable option for them, but they are intrigued by our league, especially with Ted’s Canadian roots. Clearly our conversations will take on a much more serious tone now that we have drafted Ted. The draft is always a roll of the dice, and there are many dynamics, including the NFL labour dispute which will factor into their decision making process. Regardless of how this unfolds, we’re very hopeful Ted will be an Eskimo at some point in his career. It’s our job now to accelerate that time line if possible by articulating the many advantages offered by playing in the CFL.”