By: Tyler Rabb – OttawaREDBLACKS.com Staff
A parade of offensive lineman was selected in the first round of the 2015 CFL Draft. And of course, the always-fashionable Ottawa REDBLACKS started that trend by choosing University of Connecticut centre Alex Mateas with the number-one pick.
Alex, an Ottawa-native, played high school football for the Merivale Marauders and junior football for the Ottawa Sooners, before heading to the NCAA. The 6’4” 309-pound offensive lineman started his collegiate career with Penn State, but was redshirted in his first season. Looking for more on-field action, he decided to transfer to UConn, where he captained the Huskies this past season and played 29 games over the last three years.
Mateas worked out with the NFL’s New York Jets at their 2015 rookie mini-camp, but was not signed to professional contract.
REDBLACKS GM Marcel Desjardins was thrilled to have the opportunity to select the offensive lineman. “When you take into account Alex’s abilities on the field, his durability, the level of competition that he played against as well as his integrity and intelligence, the selection of Alex was an easy decision.” Desjardins said, “Add the fact that Ottawa is home and this is where he wants to be makes this the perfect selection.”
Alex Mateas will wear number 56 when he suits up for the REDBLACKS this season.
