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Lions Draft Van Nistelrooy

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 05/10/16, 11:45PM PDT

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Brennan Van Nistelrooy selected 48th overal

Photo courtesy of Greystoke Photography

For the second straight year a member of the Sun secondary has been taken in the CFL Draft.

Co-MVP and BCFC Defensive Player of the Year Brennan Van Nistelrooy was selected 48th overall by the BC Lions on Tuesday.

The CJFL’s leader in interceptions in 2015 was originally invited to the CFL’s Regional Combine in Edmonton.  After impressing scouts he was invited to the main CFL Combine in Toronto in April.  He tested very well in Toronto which set him up nicely for Tuesday’s Draft.

Van Nistelrooy is no stranger to the Lions, attending their Evaluation Camp in 2014 and 2015.  The BCFC’s Vice President and BC Lions Liaison Tyler McLaren said on Facebook, “Could not be happier that Brennan Van Nistelrooy is a BC Lion!!! One of the best people I have ever been around in football!!! All the best Van and can't wait to see you at training camp!!  You have worked so hard, and it is awesome to see!!!”

Last season Sun safety Dexter Janke was selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL Draft.  Both Van Nistelrooy and Janke have been training together in this offseason in preparation for this moment.  

As Van Nistelrooy built up muscle, strength and speed in the gym, Sun defensive backs coach Andre Knights honed his technique in the secondary.  Knights a draft pick himself in 2006 by the Stampeders saying he’s “so proud” of Van Nistelrooy and his commitment to the game.  He has had a big hand in the development of Van Nistelrooy and Janke.

The next step for Van Nistelrooy is the Lions rookie camp on May 26th in a familiar venue.  The Lions will once again hold their camp at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops, the home of the Broncos, a foe Van Nistelrooy has faced numerous times over his Sun career.

Congratulations Brennan!