June 1 ­
by Shawn Coates
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Director of Media and Public Relations

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today secured the first of their draft selections with the signing of defensive back Howie Dryden.

A key player in Brian Dobie’s powerhouse University of Manitoba Bisons program, Dryden came to the Big Blue in the 5th Round (35th Overall) of the 2001 Canadian College Draft, April 26.

Dryden (6-0, 204, Manitoba ’00, DOB: Dec. 23, 1976) was a superb defender who helped guide the Bisons to 1st place in the Canada West standings and an appearance in the Canada West final last season.

“Howie is a good athlete,” said Winnipeg head coach Dave Ritchie. “I saw many games at the University of Manitoba last year. Howie and (fellow Blue Bomber hopeful) Mike Plante made their team tough to pass against.”

Dryden ­ who just finished his 4th year of eligibility for the Hustlin’ Herd ­ made 18 tackles for the Bisons and nabbed 1 interception for 28 yards in 2000. He snagged 1 interception for 11 yards, 22 tackles and 2 sacks in 1999.

“I’m happy that I’ll get a chance to try out for a CFL club,” said Dryden. “It’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since I started playing football. I’m overwhelmed.”

Originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, Dryden played for Champlain College before joining the Bisons.

Dryden is the 57th Manitoba Bison player ever selected by Winnipeg in the history of the Canadian College Draft ­ the most of any school. A total of 12 Bison draftees have played for the Blue Bombers, the most recent choice being linebacker Wayne Weathers. The linebacker was taken in the 6th Round (44th Overall) in the 1997 Canadian College Draft.

Dryden is the 32nd defensive back chosen by the Big Blue in their draft history. A total of 13 DB’s have made the team in the past with the latest example being C.W. Post’s Andrew Henry, who was the team’s 1st round (4th Overall) choice in the 1996 Canadian College Draft.

Dryden is the 35th player ever taken in the 5th Round by the Blue Bombers. He is striving to be the 9th choice from the 5th Round to make the Winnipeg roster. The last in that section to do so was North Dakota’s Grant Everett, who was the team’s 5th Round (36th Overall) in the 2000 Canadian College Draft.

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