Chambers, Bosch shine at CFL camp

This past weekend, two of the best players from this generation of Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks’ football took part in the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) E-Camp, held in Toronto in front of scouts and coaching staffs from every CFL franchise.

The two Laurier alumni participating were linebacker Mitchell Bosch and wide receiver Shamawd Chambers.

Each player came into the E-Camp and draft with a very different situation.

Chambers is one of the most sought-after athletes in this year’s crop, posting impressive numbers throughout his career as a Golden Hawk, including career highs in yards and touchdowns this past season.

Bosch came to Laurier from the other end of Canada, a Langley B.C. native. The linebacker has additional value in the eyes of the CFL scouts, as he is also a special team factor, possessing an ability to long snap.

In terms of performance this past weekend, both players certainly achieved their goals and were able to maintain their draft stock, if not improve it.

“You can always feel like you can do better, but I was happy with my numbers,” said Bosch, who also did show some frustration over his 40-yard dash time of 4.88 seconds.

“The toughest part was my 40 time,” said Bosch. “The mental stress that you put on yourself is a challenge.”

Aside from his 40 time, Bosch also put up impressive numbers in the bench press with 15 reps, and the broad jump, recording a distance of 9’05.5”.

Chambers performed as expected of a potential top 5 pick, posting solid if not freakish numbers in almost every drill.

However, the four- year stud of the Golden Hawks doesn’t think his strong showing elevated him up the draft board at all for potential suitors.

“I don’t think there is much more that I could have done to raise my stock, as it is really the game tape that tells the story,” said Chambers.

Chambers’ 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds was by far the fastest of the combine, the fourth-best all time at the event, and is faster than many NFL all-stars’ times, such as Arian Foster (4.69), Reggie Wayne (4.45), and Larry Fitzgerald (4.63).

While the track speed of a 40-yard dash is impressive and enticing to scouts, both Chambers and Bosch know that it’s their ability to transition to the pro game that will ultimately determine their value as a draft choice.

“The toughest adjustment will be learning that it is a job,” said Chambers, showing the same vulnerability that many new university grads feel.

“The coaches are there to help you with the game itself,” continued Chambers. “But it will be tough not to be ’the‘ guy for a little bit,” alluding to his role in Laurier’s offense the past four seasons.

While he undoubtedly shares similar concerns, Bosch expressed a different challenge for his young professional career.

“The speed of the game will increase and the size of the players will too,” said Bosch, “I am excited to learn new schemes and raise my level of competition.”

While both players are set to leave Laurier and take the next step in their football careers, they are not quick to forget their past and acknowledge the program that helped them improve as players.

“By giving me the opportunity to play and learn new things, I’ve had great coaches and they have helped me in becoming a linebacker and a snapper for special teams,” said Bosch.

“The most important thing you want to get out of the program is helping you become a man and more than just a football player,” said Chambers.

“The coaching staff helped me become a man.”

Both players expect to hear their name called by CFL teams on May 3, the date of the annual CFL Draft.

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