TORONTO – On Wednesday, December 10, 2014, the Canadian Football League (CFL) Scouting Bureau published the winter edition of the Top 20 ranked prospects eligible for the 2015 Draft. In the latest list, University of Manitoba's Nic Demski remained in Top 5 as he ranked No. 5.
Demski, 20 (turns 21 in December 2014), was named as 2014 CIS Football Second Team All-Canadian and 2014 Canada West All-Star. The Winnipeg native made Bison history as the first player to be named on four CIS All-Canadian teams. Demski was named to a fourth consecutive CIS All-Canadian Team in his fourth season at Manitoba. In addition, Demski earned his fourth consecutive conference selection and this was the first time a Bison football player have been named in four straight seasons since Joey Mikawoz (1999-02) plus first Bison offence players since offensive lineman Bart Evans (1971-74).
In 2014 season, he earned his second CIS selection at inside receiver position (CIS Second Team All-Canadian in 2013) after two other selections as All-Canadian at kick returner (CIS First Team All-Canadian in 2012; Second Team in 2011) in his first four seasons at Manitoba. In his second full season at the slotback position, the 6'0", 215 lbs. player was fifth in Canada West (18th in CIS) with 589 receiving yards in only six conference regular season games. He was first in CIS and Canada West in receiving yard average at 21.8 and tied for third in conference (tied for ninth in CIS) with five receiving touchdowns (tied for seventh in Canada West in overall TDs with six). Plus, Demski was fourth in conference (17th in CIS) all-purpose yards at 923.
Running back/kick returner Anthony Coombs and defensive lineman Evan Gill were the last Bisons on a CFL Scouting Bureau list prior to the 2014 CFL Draft and both were then drafted by the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
"I am happy that Nic is being recognized for the commitment and excellence his has shown and being identified by the CFL Scouting Bureau, " stated Bison Football head coach Brian Dobie. "After last season where Anthony and Evan were both ranked and then drafted in the first round of the CFL Draft, it shows a very positive statement as to where the Bison program is at this point of time and for the future with Nic being in the Top 5 ranking."
| WINTER SCOUTING BUREAU RANKING |
| Rank | Name | Position | School |
| 1 (1) | Brett Boyko | OL | UNLV |
| 2 (6) | Alex Mateas | OL | UCONN |
| 3 (5) | Daryl Waud | DL | Western |
| 4 (2) | Tyler Varga | RB | Yale |
| 5 (3) | Nic Demski | REC | Manitoba |
| 6 (14) | Sean McEwen | OL | Calgary |
| 7 (8) | Sukh Chungh | OL | Calgary |
| 8 (4) | Danny Groulx | OL | Laval |
| 9 (11) | Addison Richards | REC | Regina |
| 10 (7) | Jacob Ruby | OL | Richmond |
| 11 (15) | Nick Shortill | LB | McMaster |
| 12 (12) | Chris Ackie | DB | Laurier |
| 13 (10) | Dillon Guy | OL | Buffalo |
| 14 (16) | Karl Lavoie | OL | Laval |
| 15 (13) | Brendon Tennant | DL | Laval |
| 16 (--) | Adam Konar | LB | Calgary |
| 17 (--) | Byron Archambault | LB | Montreal |
| 18 (17) | Ese Mrabure-Ajufo | DL | Laurier |
| 19 (19) | Jake Harty | REC | Calgary |
| 20 (--) | Ettore Lattanzio | DL | Ottawa |
Last year, a new draft rule came into effect whereby players with national status playing in the CIS will be eligible to be selected in the CFL Draft three years after completing their first year of CIS eligibility.
In addition, the CFL adjusted the eligibility rules for players with national status playing in the NCAA. These players will now be eligible to be selected in the CFL Draft following their senior season of NCAA eligibility.
Please note: The number in parentheses is the player's ranking from the last CFL Scouting Bureau published in September 2014.
The 2015 CFL Combine will be held in Toronto from March 27-29. The date of the 2015 CFL Draft has yet to be confirmed.
The CFL Scouting Bureau releases its rankings three times each year: in September, December and April. The CFL's Scouting Bureau is comprised of CFL scouts, player personnel directors and general managers from the league's nine teams.
