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Sarnia's Beardy off to Ottawa's CFL camp

Barry Wright When Randy Beardy was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks with the 43rd overall pick in the recent Canadian Football League draft, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So, he did both.
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Sarnia’s Randy Beardy is attending the rookie camp of the CFL Ottawa Redblacks. Gerry Marrentette, University of Windsor Athletics

Barry Wright

When Randy Beardy was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks with the 43rd overall pick in the recent Canadian Football League draft, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

So, he did both.

“I can get really emotional and intense,” said the 6'7”, 307 lb. offensive lineman.

“I was overjoyed and then randomly I'd just start crying.”

The 22-year-old jokingly referred to his emotional state after the draft as a “roller-coaster gong show.”

“I literally didn't know how to process my emotions. I was caught like a deer in the headlights.”

After taking up the sport at the age of nine in the SMAA football program and a successful four-year high school career with the Northern Vikings, Beardy played Canadian college football the past four seasons with the University of Windsor Lancers.

He had some contact with the Redblacks scouting staff prior the draft, but had no indication if he would be selected, or by which team, until the night before. That’s when Ottawa called to inquire about his health and tell him to keep his phone on during draft day.

Beardy is in Ottawa this week for its rookie camp and will get his first taste of a full professional training camp on Sunday.

While looking forward to soaking in the atmosphere and giving it everything he has, Beardy is realistic about his chances of cracking the lineup first attempt.

“I think there is opportunities down the road, but immediately I would think it would be difficult to get on to the game-day roster,” he said, noting the difference in size and speed between CFL and college defensive lineman.

“I want to give everything I can give, grow as a player and see how it goes.”

If he's doesn't make the Redblacks this season, Beardy said he would prefer being returned to the Lancers for a fifth year of college eligibility as opposed to Ottawa's practice roster.

He credits his coaching staff at both Northern and Windsor for helping him get this far in a football career.


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