[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/LumsdenJesse.jpg” caption=”Jesse Lumsden was one of four McMaster football players selected in the CFL Canadian College Draft.”]Four McMaster football players are now members of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

On Thursday, the 2005 CFL college draft announced that fourth-year running back Jesse Lumsden and fifth-year offensive guard Fabio Filice will join the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Fourth-year offensive tackle Matt O'Meara was selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while fifth-year kicker Michael Ray will join the Montreal Alouettes.

The Marauders were among 53 players taken by the nine Canadian Football League clubs.

“This is outstanding for the student-athletes involved and the McMaster program,” said McMaster head coach Marcello Campanaro. “They deserve it. They will represent themselves and the McMaster program very well.”

McMaster tied the University of Laval for most first round selections with two. Overall, McMaster's four selections were tied for second among CIS institutions with Laval (five), McMaster (four), Saskatchewan (four) and Manitoba (three).

Lumsden was selected sixth overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 6'2″, 226 lb Lumsden was the recipient of the 2004 Hec Crighton Trophy for the CIS Most Outstanding Football Player. Lumsden set the CIS single-season rushing record with 1,816 yards and single-season touchdown record (21). Lumsden also set the Ontario University Athletics Career Touchdown record (43) and career rushing mark with 4,328 yards.

Marauder fourth-year offensive tackle, Matt O'Meara was selected third overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. O'Meara, 6'5″, 280 lb, helped lead McMaster to three Ontario Yates Cup Championships in four seasons. He was an OUA First Team All-Star in both 2004 and 2003.

Fifth-year offensive guard Fabio Filice, was selected in the second round, fifteenth overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 6'2″, 296 lb Filice helped lead McMaster to four Ontario Yates Cup Championships in five seasons. He was a CIS First Team All Canadian in 2004, a three-time OUA First Team All-Star (2004, 2003, 2002) and single season recipient of an OUA Second Team All-Star (2001) selection.

Fifth-year kicker Michael Ray was drafted in the fourth round, 33 overall by the Montreal Alouettes. Ray was a Second Team All-Canadian in 2002, a First Team OUA All-Star in 2002 and 2003 and a Second Team OUA All-Star in 2004. He is the leading scorer in McMaster history with 340 career points.