I too, am excited with the upcoming draft! While I wait for that fateful day in April, I will follow the new signees in Kansas City. My heart jumps as I read who the new addition is, how much he'll cost us and the "as per club policy, no further terms of the agreement were announced".
The newest face is Marc Boerigter who is coming down from the Canadian Football League. While his name sounded familiar, it wasn't until I read ThaChop's "Mystery Man" column that I put things together. Like his column said, Hastings College (Hastings, NE) doesn't usually raise eyebrows – but it raised mine. I am a sophomore at Midland College (Fremont, NE) and am familiar with Hastings College after growing up 20 miles north in Grand Island.
I was touring different colleges my senior year of high school when I got to see Boerigter play. I remember the game fairly well because I was there to watch my cousin, who was playing for Dana College. I wish I could tell you of a great game Boerigter had. Or of a game-breaking catch he made. Of course, I had no idea his name would one day appear on the back of a Chiefs uniform!
Whether or not Boerigter will another of the NFL's rags to riches stories remains to be seen. My reasons to keep my hopes high are as follows: 1) Boerigter has professional game speed experience. 2) He adjusted to and produced in Calgary's pass happy offense in the CFL. 3) He's a levelheaded Midwest kid fulfilling his dream of playing football.
In an article published by the Hastings Tribune (Hastings, NE), Boerigter commented on the jump from NAIA college football to a professional team.
"The level of competition up here is much better," Boerigter said. '"In college there were some good defensive backs. Here, they all have skill and speed. In order to separate myself from the backs I have to work more on the little things and put more moves in my routes."
Boerigter played as a rookie in Calgary's wide-open offense, often as the fourth or fifth wide receiver. The numbers he put up were impressive, even to some NFL scouts. With his success in Canada, he still had hopes of playing in the NFL as he told the Tribune.
"I've had some guys tell me, who came from the NFL, that I would have no problem making it," he said. "That makes me feel pretty good about everything. They know the talent, so it helps me work toward my goal."
"But I've always wanted to be in the NFL, and some teams have expressed an interest in me, but if I don't make it to the NFL I want to be here in Calgary."
Boerigter will get his shot to make it in the NFL thanks to the Chiefs. Call me crazy, but I've got that same feeling towards Boerigter as ThaChop does! I am another fan with high hopes for Boerigter to be a fit with Kansas City.
Sources: www.cnweb.com/tribune/old/oct00/oct18/sports.html
