CFL scouts size up Nebraska’s Knevel

David Knevel is a massive man with big aspirations who will surely have eyes on the NFL and a great fallback option north of the border.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive lineman, who originally hails from Brantford, Ont., was listed first on the CFL Scouting Bureau’s fall rankings, which were released on Wednesday.

A two-year starter at a major U.S. college program, Knevel is six-footnine, 315 pounds.

He played in 10 games at right tackle in 2016 and helped the Huskers have the best offensive line in the Big Ten at protecting the passer.

Knevel has the kind of size that is sure to get him looks in the NFL, assuming his senior year at Nebraska goes well.

If things don’t work out as well, he could be a first overall pick in the CFL when the league holds its 2018 draft next May.

Knevel was one of 20 players identified by the CFL Scouting Bureau on Wednesday, and one of nine offensive linemen.

Ranked second is Connecticut offensive lineman Trey Rutherford of Markham, Ont., and ranked third is Bowling Green offensive lineman Ryan Hunter of North Bay, Ont.

Rutherford is six-foot-five, 312 pounds and he started seven games for the Huskies last season, helping them to six 100-yard-plus rushing games. Hunter started 12 games for the Bowling Green Falcons last season and helped his team’s running back to more than 1,000 rushing yards.

The top Canadian university prospect is defensive back Godfrey Onyeka of Wilfrid Laurier, who hails from Brampton, Ont.

Onyeka was a first-team all-Canadian in 2016 after recording 40.5 tackles, four interceptions (one for a touchdown), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.