Five Huskies selected in 2023 CFL Draft

Five Saint Mary's Huskies - defensive lineman Aidan John, linebacker Markcus Jean-Loescher, receiver Shedler Fervius, receiver Sebastian Howard, and defensive back Jassin States-McClean - were selected in Tuesday night's Canadian Football League (CFL) draft.

"We were thrilled to see their names called last night," said Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah. "The biggest thing I can say about all five student-athletes is that their commitment to the process has been outstanding. They've all worked extremely hard and we couldn't be happier to see that hard work be rewarded last night."

Aidan John, a second-year defensive lineman out of Halifax, NS, was selected 19th overall (3rd round) by the Ottawa Redblacks. A 6'5", 226-pound lineman, John led the Huskies in tackles with 29, including four tackles for a loss, and added one forced fumble and two pass-breakups. 

Markcus Jean-Loescher, a third-year linebacker out of Toronto, ON, was selected 34rd overall (4th round) by the BC Lions. A 6'1", 225-pound linebacker, Jean-Loescher recorded 21.5 tackles this season, including three tackles for a loss, and added one sack, one forced fumble and one pass-breakup. Over his three seasons with the Huskies, Jean-Loescher has recorded 68 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, two sacks and three pass-breakups.

Shedler Fervius, a receiver out of Scarborough, ON, was selected 41st overall (5th round) by the Montreal Alouettes. A 6'1", 190-pound slotback, Fervius played three seasons with the Huskies, averaging 118.4 all purpose yards per game, and was named AUS Rookie of the Year in 2018. 

Sebastian Howard, a fourth-year receiver from Calgary, AB, was selected 49th overall (6th round) by the Calgary Stampeders. A 6'6", 230-pound tight end, Howard has recorded 11 catches for 69 yards and one rush for two yards over the past two seasons with the Huskies.

Jassin States-McClean, a fourth-year receiver from Halifax, NS, was selected 52nd overall (6th round) by the BC Lions. A 6'1", 193-pound defensive back, States-McClean recorded 16.5 tackles and led the Huskies with five pass-breakups, being named a 2022 AUS All-Star and Huskies Football Most Valuable Player.

With five athletes drafted, Saint Mary's tied with Ottawa and Western for the most players selected out of any U SPORTS school. A total of nine AUS athletes were drafted, and a total of 57 U SPORTS athletes.

"It speaks to the type of talent here and debunks a lot of myths about the AUS, that there isn't as much talent in this conference," added Sumarah. "This kind of draft helps put the AUS back on the map and remind the country that there is great football being played here.

For the complete U SPORTS draft story, please CLICK HERE.
For the complete 2023 CFL Draft Tracker, please CLICK HERE.
For the complete Saint Mary's Huskies CFL draft history, please CLICK HERE.