CFL teams set to call on Victoria players

Davis, van Gylswyk had big years at UBC

Neither was signed to a National Football League contract, but it doesn’t mean Terrell Davis or Quinn van Gylswyk will not be able to live up to their professional football aspirations.

The two returned from New York Giants’ mini camp on Sunday night and now have their eyes fully set on today’s Canadian Football League draft (the first round will be shown on TSN at 4 p.m.).

“I’ll be going out east, I think. That’s the feeling I get because I received phone calls from Toronto [Sunday night] and Ottawa [Monday] morning. I’ve also been talking to Hamilton for the last year and a half,” said an optimistic van Gylswyk, who many analysts have going in the second round in their mock drafts.

That could possibly be to Hamilton at No. 14 overall in Round 2.

“They’re probably in the lead for trying to get me,” said van Gylswyk. “My agent seems to think someone might trade up to get me because Ottawa and Toronto both don’t have a steady kicker right now.”

The former Westshore Rebels kicker is coming off a sensational year with the Vanier Cup-champion UBC Thunderbirds, along with teammate Davis, who moved to linebacker from running back.

“I’m nervous,” said Davis. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I just have my fingers crossed and I’m hoping for the best. I have my hopes on playing professional football this summer, so, that’s where my head is at right now.

“I can always go back to school if pro football doesn’t pan out,” added Davis, who has also had calls from several teams. “Anything can happen once the draft starts so, who knows? It’s anyone’s guess.”

Davis, who is back home in Victoria, will not watch the draft, likely opting for a hike.

Van Gylswyk was due back in Victoria on Monday night and will play golf with his dad, brother and best friend this afternoon to ease his nerves.

“I don’t want it on my mind. If I get a phone call, then I get a phone call,” said van Gylswyk. “That was the worst thing about the NFL draft. I sat there and watched with my parents, waiting to maybe hear your name get called. It was tedious and I hated it.”

Both are in good positions, though.

Van Gylswyk’s CIS eligibility is over, but he is rated among the top 20 to be selected. Davis does have eligibility remaining, but as he stated, he’s keen on starting his pro career.

“The New York trip [to Giants camp] only helped my cause,” added van Gylswyk.