Following up from Bison defensive lineman David Onyemata selection in the 2016 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, another Manitoba Bisons football player will get an opportunity to showcase his talent and skills at the NFL level as third year linebacker DJ Lalama has been invited to the NFL's New York Giants rookie mini-camp that runs from May 6-7.
Lalama, 22, is the third Bison player to be invited to a NFL rookie mini-camp in the last two seasons. Running back/kick returner Nic Demski went to the Cleveland Browns camp in 2015 and defensive lineman Evan Gill was invited (but did not participate due to injury) to the New York Giants camp in 2015.
Lalama was named unanimously as 2015 Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service Award winner. The Winnipeg native graduated from the faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and had another impressive season on and off the field. Over the past seasons, he was creator of Bisons Giving Back - a volunteer service provided by the football team and its players for numerous community events and camps. Lalama is also part of University of Manitoba Athletics Counsel (UMAC). As the football representative on UMAC, Lalama worked to spearhead the 'Bison vs. Bullying' outreach program, the Bison Book Buddies reading program, and has also volunteered at the Siloam Mission homeless shelter.
The 6'1", 230 lbs. linebacker was a co-captain for the first time with the Bisons in 2015 and tied for 15th in the conference with 36 total tackles (27 solo) and tied for fifth with 5.5 tackles for losses, while playing in six of eight conference regular season games. In 2014, he had a breakout season as Lalama led the team and second in Canada West with 52.5 total tackles (40 solo) plus added one sack, one interception and one forced fumble. In his rookie season with the Bisons in 2013, Lalama notched 21.5 total tackles (16 solo) and two fumble recoveries for 50 yards. His overall totals in three seasons (2013-15) at Manitoba were 110 total tackles (83 solo, 54 assisted).
"Just blessed and thankful for the opportunity to show out in front of the Giants staff. I'm excited for the weekend and looking forward to representing the Bison gang during NFL rookie mini camp," Lalama said. "It's truly a testament to this program, coaches and my former teammates. It also helps playing behind David Onyemata! All in all, I'm just ready to put my best foot forward!"
Watch the Manitoba Bisons football team congratulate DJ Lalama after Spring Camp practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEFrQiuDORg???????
