Elks select two in Global Draft
Green and Gold take kicker Faithfull and offensive lineman Zierer
.png "Kilian Zierer (77) \ Dean Faithfull (39)")
EDMONTON - The Edmonton Elks made a pair of selections in the 2023 CFL Global Draft on Tuesday, choosing kicker Dean Faithfull in the first round (second overall) and offensive lineman Kilian Zierer in the second round (11th overall).
A native of Great Britain, Faithfull played a season of NCAA Division II football at Colorado State University Pueblo in 2021, making 7 of 12 field goals and converting 20 extra points. He averaged 58.5 yards on 44 kickoffs, including 24 touchbacks. The six-foot-two Faithfull previously played four seasons of NCAA Division II soccer at Florida Tech University.
“We look forward to having Dean Faithfull come to camp and compete for the kicking job,” says Elks assistant general manager Geroy Simon. “He has huge upside.”
Zierer played the last two seasons at Auburn University, starting every game in 2022. He twice made the SEC Academic Honour Roll and was recognized as a CSC (College Sports Communications) Academic All-District as a senior. The six-foot-seven product of Munich, Germany, was selected to play in the 2023 East-West Shrine Game. Zierer signed with the Houston Texans of the NFL as a free-agent on Monday.
“If we have an opportunity to get Zierer North of the Border, he competes as a starter from Day One,” says Simon.
The CFL Draft begins at 6 p.m. MT Tuesday. The Elks have nine picks, including No. 2 overall.
ELKS 2023 CFL GLOBAL DRAFT PICKS
- Round 1 | 2nd overall
Dean Faithfull | GLB | K | 6’2 | 207 LBS| Fareham, Hampshire, England | CSU Pueblo - Round 2 | 11th overall
Kilian Zierer | GLB | OL | 6'7 | 312 LBS| Munich, Germany | Auburn
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