Wide receiver Anthony Parker, right, and Nathan Coehoorn work out during the 2011 CFL evaluation camp in Toronto Sunday, March 6, 2011. Darren Calabrese for The Globe and MailDarren Calabrese/The Globe and Mail
It was, the family agreed, a little too much to hope for.
That the son, University of Calgary Dinos' star receiver Anthony Parker, would be drafted by the hometown Calgary Stampeders, the same Canadian Football League that once employed his dad (Anthony Parker) and his uncle (Andy Jonassen) was, as the mother Pam Parker, said, "A bit of a pipe dream."
Then came Sunday's trade and phone call. The Stampeders had swapped a series of picks with the B.C. Lions to secure the third pick overall in CFL draft. And with that pick the Stampeders sent the Parker family over the moon.
"This is the best Mother's Day present I've ever had," the mom gushed after watching the draft proceedings at the Dinos' McMahon Stadium facility.
"I was thrilled when I got the call from the Stampeders [just before they officially selected him]" added the son. "I think I'm going to have to negotiate for more season tickets."
Parker was the Calgary headliner on a draft day in which a great deal of the action focused on Alberta. Parker was the highest-chosen skill player taken after Winnipeg Blue Bombers' linebacker Henoc Muamaba (St. Francis Xavier) and Edmonton Eskimos' offensive lineman Scott Mitchell (Rice).
Two picks later, the Eskimos made a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and claimed Dinos' receiver Nathan Coehoorn. All totalled, six U of C players went in the first 34 picks of the draft, including 6-foot-9, 342-pound offensive lineman Paul Swiston, who was taken 24th overall by Winnipeg.
"This is the great day for [the Dinos']program," said Parker, who played in only five of eight Canada West games last season because of a shoulder injury but was still chosen a conference all-star. "I can't wait to come to camp and try and earn my spot."
Parker was regarded as the most dynamic receiver in Canadian university football and a major reason why the Dinos were Vanier Cup finalists in 2009 and 2010. But there were CFL teams that questioned his character. As a freshman, Parker was brash and self-centred; someone who cared more about his statistics than winning or losing. Even he admitted he was "immature and needed time to grow.
"I was relying solely on my athleticism," he said. "When I matured I realized how hard you have to work. And I want to continue to do that to be a player, a great player, in the CFL."
Coehoorn, while not as explosive as Parker, was considered by CFL coaches as one of the draft's most pro-ready players. Often compared to veteran slotback Jason Clermont of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Coehoorn was the Dinos' most reliable receiver in 2010 and a nasty special teams' player.
"The style of game I play is being a possession receiver with a physical presence," said Coehoorn, who realized that as a special teams' performer with the Eskimos he may soon be tackling his former teammate Parker, who can return punts. "We'll be looking for each other in the Battle of Alberta."
The Stampeders also made some noise by drafting Ottawa Gee Gees quarterback Brad Sinopoli 29th overall. Traditionally, Canadian passers are overlooked in the draft then overlooked again as free agents. Calgary head coach John Hufnagel insisted Sinopoli would not be asked to change positions and that he'll get to throw his stuff when training camp opens in June.
"He's 6 foot 4, has good speed and a strong arm. He understands the pro game," Hufnagel said. "He'll come into camp like any other quarterback and compete."
Sinopoli, who led the nation with 2,756 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, was elated to join a Calgary camp lineup that will include quarterbacks Henry Burris, Drew Tate, Daryll Clark and Steve Gachette.
"I didn't expect going to Calgary," Sinopoli said. "I didn't interview with them during E-Camp and I hadn't talked to them. But to be drafted in the fourth round is something I'll always remember."