RENO, Nev. – University of Nevada senior offensive lineman John Bender was selected with the 17th overall pick by the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League draft on Sunday.
Bender, a native of Cochrane, Alberta, was the fourth lineman taken in the draft. He said being selected by Calgary was “ideal” but he intends on staying at Nevada to finish his degree and finish his football career. Bender is a double major in marketing and management.
“Being Canadian, it’s always been a dream of mine to be drafted into the CFL. I am thrilled to have been selected and this is a great honor,” Bender said. “At this point, my focus is on finishing my degree at the University of Nevada, which I will do in December, and playing my senior season for the Wolf Pack. After that, I’ll weigh all of the options available to me in terms of professional football.”
Bender is a three-year starter for Nevada and is one of 15 starters returning this season for the Wolf Pack.
