as the University of Saskatchewan Huskies take on the University of Regina in Canada West Football action in Saskatoon, SK, October 19, 2024.rrPhoto Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards
Seth Hundeby is poised to make the transition from wearing green and white at Griffiths Stadium to, well, wearing green and white at Griffiths Stadium.
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies linebacker is to suit up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Wednesday when rookie camp begins on his accustomed home turf in Saskatoon.
“It literally could not have worked out any better,” said Hundeby, who was selected by the Roughriders in the fourth round (34th overall) of Tuesday’s CFL Draft.
“Having the familiarity is always reassuring and I’m super excited to keep playing on Griffiths.”
The 6-foot-2, 251-pounder plans to remain with the Huskies for one more Canada West season so he can take major steps toward completing an engineering degree.
Before that, though, he will savour an initial taste of the CFL.
“It definitely is nice that I still get to participate in camp,” the Saskatoon-born Hundeby said. “Obviously, it was a tough decision to prioritize some schooling, because that’s something down the road that’s going to be really good to keep in my back pocket.”
Hundeby is capable pressuring the quarterback in the pocket while lining up as a defensive end, in addition to playing his customary position of linebacker. He can also chip in as a long snapper.
“He’s kind of a Swiss army knife,” Roughriders Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day said after selecting Hundeby on Tuesday.
“Obviously, we’re excited to draft him. He’s a local kid as well, which helps. Certainly, that wasn’t the Number 1 determining factor, but anytime we can keep Saskatchewan kids here, we’re happy to do that.”
In adherence to that philosophy, the Roughriders drafted another Huskies star — receiver Daniel Wiebe — on Tuesday. He was chosen in the eighth round (69th overall).
Hundeby and Wiebe had travelled to Regina together for the CFL Combine, which was held from March 21 to 23.
At the Combine, Wiebe ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and recorded the second-best short shuttle time (3.95 seconds) in Combine history.
Hundeby led all linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.7), vertical jump (35 inches) and short shuttle (4.15 seconds). He was third at his position in the bench press (20 reps) and three-cone drill (6.88).
“I was really happy with the way I tested,” said Hundeby, who prepared for the Combine while working out at Ignite Athletics with Graham Black and former Roughriders defensive back Joel Lipinski.
“It felt like it was an accurate reflection of what I can do as an athlete. Overall, it wasn’t anything too crazy, but I was happy that I represented myself well.”
Hundeby was able to represent both his teams — the Huskies and Roughriders — at the Dogs’ Breakfast in Saskatoon on Thursday.
O’Day and Head Coach Corey Mace were presented at Huskie football’s annual breakfast, which attracted a crowd of 1,400.
“Coach Mace and Jeremy O’Day gave both myself and Dan Wiebe some hats, congratulating us and welcoming us to the team,” Hundeby said. “They’re super cool guys and I’m so excited to work with them.
“Knowing that I’m going to get to stay in Saskatchewan is such an amazing feeling.”
How amazing, you ask?
“Oh man … it’s so special,” Hundeby said. “Growing up, everywhere you go you see Rider paraphernalia. You see Rider license plates and everything. Growing up in that atmosphere and then being able to be a part of that organization, it means so much.
“So many family members and friends have been reaching out to congratulate me and saying they’re looking forward to seeing me in green and white. Tons of people are super excited for me.
“Being able to say I’ll be part of the Rider organization is super exciting.”
