By paNOW Staff

Riders select Regina’s own Mitchell Picton in CFL Draft

May 8, 2017 | 11:13 AM

Kids in Saskatchewan grow up dreaming they might one day play for the Roughriders and Mitchell Picton was no exception.

Gathered with his family at his home in Regina, it was his brother Aaron Picton, who was previously drafted by the Riders, who broke the news to him.

“The Picton family, football runs in our blood,” Mitchell said. “Everybody is so excited and it was just an incredible experience tonight.”

The University of Regina Rams wide receiver was selected by the Riders in the fifth round, 37th overall in Sunday night’s draftand says he could not be happier.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the Riders organization. I can’t thank their coaching staff enough and I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates,” he said.

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Picton is coming off a standout year at the U of R having been named a first-team All-Canadian and a Canada West all-star. He set a school record and led Canada West with 58 receptions and 834 receiving yards and led the country with 11 touchdowns.

“He’s very, very productive player in man or zone,” head coach and general manager Chris Jones said. “I don’t think he had a great combine and I think that kind of hurt him a little bit, but I think he’s a better football player when you turn on the film. That’s where you see him excel.”

For Picton, getting through the combine and the draft means that he can finally focus on what he loves.

“I’m going to do everything I can to come in and make the football team. It’s been my dream since I started playing ball and that’s what I intend to do.”

Email azerr@rawlco.com

Twitter @arielle_zerr