Nine athletes from Saskatchewan participated in the For Regina’s Ethan Ball, the opportunity to audition in front of CFL teams to earn the chance to be drafted is full circle for him.
“For me, starting my football career in Regina, leaving, going away to the United States, then Calgary, getting to come back and play football in the city that I really learned to love the game is really cool.”
The 23-year-old said the combine was a dream come true for him.
“Rubbing shoulders with CFL personnel and guys that I've watched on TV since I was a little kid was the dream of a lifetime. Overall, it was a great experience.”
An experience that Ball felt on the opening day.
“Thursday morning, I walked to the CFL office meeting room, and John Hufnagel walked out. We passed each other, he said: 'What's up? Have a good weekend.’ I've seen John Hufnagel on the Stampeders sidelines my whole life. I was like: 'Oh, that's cool.'"
After graduating from Riffel High School, Ball was highly sought after by numerous schools and touted as one of the top receivers in his recruiting class. He eventually settled on an opportunity to join the University of Calgary Dinos. However, that all changed when he accepted a scholarship to the University of North Dakota, contingent on transitioning from receiver to defensive back.
It wasn’t the first time in his athletic career he had to make a decision. As a standout hockey player in high school, Ball was faced with a fork in the road.
“I played high-level hockey my whole life, and then I got to high school. I played in grade 9 at Riffle. I was like: 'OK, I realize I'm good at this football thing, and I love it more than hockey.' So by grade 10, I was like: 'Mom, dad, I think I want to pursue football, train for that and focus on it.'"
Fast-forward to Ball’s decision to move from the offensive side of the ball to defence, a transition that required some work.
“I was swimming in the deep end for sure. Going to the defensive side of the ball, then the American game with tight ends and fullbacks and trying to identify formations that I'd never really seen before, that was a huge adjustment.”
Ball stuck to it and believes his second training camp in North Dakota was when things started to click. The six-foot, 190-pound defensive back played 32 games over four seasons with the Fighting Hawks at safety, making 44 total tackles.
In 2024, Ball returned north of the border to start in the secondary for the University of Calgary, showing his versatility and adaptability.
“I think you can plug and play me almost anywhere. I played receiver my whole life. I took a shot, bet on myself, and went down to the States as a safety. Transitioned to the American game at safety. I came back to Canada and played boundary halfback, which I'd never done in the Canadian game before. I've always bet on myself, challenged myself.”
Does Ball have any regrets about not pursuing football as a receiver?
“The Ottawa Redblacks asked me the exact same question. I don't think you can look at it that way. I had an awesome experience in North Dakota. I got to play in front of 90,000 people at Nebraska and play against Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman runner-up at Boise State. I got to do things that kids dream of. I wouldn't have changed it for the world.”
Until April’s CFL Draft, Ball can only dream about hearing his name called. In the meantime, he’s ready to get back to work.
“It's important to be grateful, reflect, and realize how much I've accomplished so far. Then, it's time to get back to training with more football focus. If your name gets called on April 29th, rookie camp starts May 5th. You have a week to pack your bags, show up to a camp, and be ready to go.”
Until then, Ball hopes he has left CFL teams with a lot to consider.
“I hope I left them with the idea that I'm a cerebral football player. I'm athletic, I'm very coachable in the film room. In the interviews, I let them know I'm authentic and honest. I’m going to be a really good guy to bring into your locker room and into your community.”
