For all the disappointment the Clan football team’s 2013 season brought, two players are well on their way to an exceptional new year.
Offensive lineman Matthias Goossen and linebacker Casey Chin have both improved their CFL draft ranking, following outstanding individual seasons.
Goossen was ranked 15th in the first edition of the rankings, which came out in September. “It was exciting for sure to be recognized,” he said at the time. “I have put in a lot of hard work during my time here, but nothing is set in stone.”
His ranking certainly wasn’t. He’s climbed all the way to fifth in the newest edition of the prospects list. Goossen started all 10 games for the Clan in 2013, and was the anchor on a much-improved offensive line that gave up the second fewest sacks in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC).
Chin, meanwhile, put together his best-ever season and one of the best statistical seasons the GNAC has seen. After being ranked 12th back in September, Chin racked up 119 total tackles, second in the conference (by one), while his 68 solo tackles were a GNAC record. He also finished with three interceptions on the year, good for third in the conference. His performance in 2013 pushed his ranking up to 11th.
“I work hard and try to do the right things on and off the field,” said Chin after the September ranking. Cliché as it may sound, his — and Goossen’s — hard work has paid off, and both find themselves just a few months away from hearing their names at the Canadian Football League draft in May.
Despite the team’s underwhelming performance this past season, the Clan football program continues to churn out quality football players. Four Clan athletes were drafted in the 2012 CFL draft, and now Goossen and Chin are ready to follow suit. With the two stars prepping for the pros, it’s a testament to the program and the fact that no matter who the new head coach is, there will be plenty of talent to work with.
