Article content continued

Whether it’s the waggle, the defensive pass interference rules, the 12th man, the larger field, the kicking tee or the distance between the linemen on the line of scrimmage, there are differences between the games and the players must adjust.

Many of the skills are transferrable, but mastery of the details and nuances of the game make the difference between a collegiate star and a professional athlete.

It is the scouts’ responsibility to guess which players will be able to make the transition and to identify those who will not fit as well into the Canadian game.

There are also CIS athletes, such as Onyemata, to consider.

The CIS and CFL rule books are essentially one and the same, but if you watch a CIS game it will be hard not to notice the calibre and speed of the play — or lack thereof.

As a player who excelled and was drafted out of the Canadian college ranks, when I arrived at my first CFL training camp I thought I was in the wrong place.

There were a lot more X’s and O’s to digest, and things on the field were happening so fast that I could hardly get out of my three-point stance.

Add to this the overwhelming upgrade in calibre of opponent and I was left wondering whether this was in fact the same game I had received accolades for only a few months earlier. CIS athletes have to adapt their accustomed style of play to the new pro game or find other employment.

One question for scouts to consider regarding CIS athletes is very similar to the one that applies to NCAA players. How will their style of play fit into the CFL game?

And will they even be available?

There’s something to be said about having first dibs on the best Canadian-born players — and the Saskatchewan Roughriders do have the first overall selection in the 2016 draft — but I’m far too conservative to bet a bundle on the top pick.

As a fifth-round selection myself, I believe there is more certainty and value to be had in the later rounds.

(I value your feedback at Mike.Abou-Mechrek@InvestorsGroup.com)