
The Edmonton Elks made a pair of selections in the 2023 CFL Global Draft on Tuesday, choosing kicker Dean Faithfull in the first round (second overall) and offensive lineman Kilian Zierer in the second round (11th overall).
A native of Great Britain, Faithfull played a season of NCAA Division II football at Colorado State University Pueblo in 2021, making 7 of 12 field goals and converting 20 extra points. He averaged 58.5 yards on 44 kickoffs, including 24 touchbacks. The six-foot-two Faithfull previously played four seasons of NCAA Division II soccer at Florida Tech University.
A Kicker for the @GoElks in pick ✌️of the #GlobalDraft!#CFL | @gothunderwolves pic.twitter.com/OZe8FcoOs6
— CFL (@CFL) May 2, 2023
“We look forward to having Dean Faithfull come to camp and compete for the kicking job,” says Elks assistant general manager Geroy Simon. “He has huge upside.”
Zierer played the last two seasons at Auburn University, starting every game in 2022. He twice made the SEC Academic Honour Roll and was recognized as a CSC (College Sports Communications) Academic All-District as a senior. The six-foot-seven product of Munich, Germany, was selected to play in the 2023 East-West Shrine Game. Zierer signed with the Houston Texans of the NFL as a free-agent on Monday.
“If we have an opportunity to get Zierer North of the Border, he competes as a starter from Day One,” says Simon.
The CFL Draft begins at 6 p.m. MT Tuesday. The Elks have nine picks, including No. 2 overall.
The 2023 CFL season is rapidly approaching. Be there Sunday, June 11 at Commonwealth Stadium when the Edmonton Elks open the season against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It’s the start of a summer full of family, fun and football. Being part of the action has never been more affordable, with tickets starting at just $15. Click here to get your tickets to the Home Opener and be part of the tradition.
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