With the 2015 CFL Combine (Mar. 27-29) and CFL Draft (TBA) approaching on the offseason calendar, TSN.ca profiles some of the prospects who could be taken this spring.

When you hear that Manitoba slotback Nic Demski was a four-time CIS All-Canadian and the youngest  ever CIS football player to achieve that honour, it’s hard to believe he was unable to crack the Bisons starting  offence.  Demski was an All-Canadian kick returner in his first two years at Manitoba but playing running back with guys like current Argonaut Anthony Coombs and current Bison back Keinan LaFrance made it hard to break through on offence.   

“Me and Anthony we were always on each other, including Keinan,” Demski told TSN during a break from his training camp in California. “We're very competitive guys.  We wouldn't be mean to each other but at the same time we always played with an edge on our back and just knowing any second either one of us could come and take the spot, so we learned a lot from each other just looking at each other's run styles. “

So, unable to get on offence regularly, Demski was moved to slotback in 2013 and the move paid dividends.  He had 640 receiving yards along with seven touchdowns in his first year as a receiver (and his third All-Canadian award).  He continued his stellar play this season with 589 yards receiving and led the country with a 21.8 yards/catch average (and his fourth All-Canadian award).

“I'm kind of an electrifying guy,” Desmki described.  “I'm kind of known as a big play guy and I just love making big plays. That's just what I'm all about and using my athleticism.”

Demski first started playing football at the age of seven when his step-father introduced him to the game.  By the time he attended high school he was an elite two-sport athlete in football and hockey.   He received offers to play in the WHL but decided to attend the University of Manitoba.  Even after going to the Bisons, Demski continued playing hockey in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League until the end of the 2013 season.  While excelling in two sports can be difficult, Demski decided to make football his priority.

“They clashed a little bit but both my coaches were very understanding.  For me it was always football first, at the beginning of the year I would tell my hockey coach that.  He couldn't really fight against it so it was good,” Desmki said.  “You know football, it just kind of seemed more right to go to school and play football.  I kind of had more love for the game than hockey.”

It appears Demski made the right decision, dedicating himself to football over hockey.  He is currently the fifth ranked CFL prospect and the top ranked receiver.  He feels his body of work on the field speaks for itself.

“That stuff is just words to me at the moment.  I think I've done enough in my career, I've done enough at the East-West Bowl to show the scouts what I'm about,” Demski stressed.  “At the same time, all that stuff's in the past and really put on your stuff and impress in front of them.”

Despite his success in his four CIS seasons, Demski would like to show something to his critics when he goes to the CFL Combine on March 27th.

“I always thought my route running was really good,” Demski says. (But) After reading some of the critics about my route running, that's kind of (put an) edge on me and I just really want to show that I run good routes and I'm capable of getting open.”

Currently training in California, Demski says he’s ‘all-in’ for the CFL Combine, working harder to get stronger and more elusive.  With his success as a returner and a receiver he hopes he can eventually compare to one of the CFL’s current elite players.

“(Chad Owens) really excelled as a returner and then he changed his game into a big-play receiver.  That's kind of how I saw my career go at university,” Demski explained.  “Being a good returner, I just took my game to the next level and started producing on offence.  I kind of strive for my game to be like that in the CFL.”

Our next profile will be on Offensive Lineman Sean McEwen from the University of Calgary, the #6 ranked prospect in the 2015 CFL Draft.