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Calgary’s Federkeil makes debut for Colts

Calgary’s Federkeil makes debut for Colts

Medicine Hat’s Dan Federkeil became the first University of Calgary player to play in an NFL regular season game on the weekend.

Federkeil, who signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent prior to the season and has spent the entire season on the practice roster, served as a backup offensive tackle and played on special teams in the Colts loss to the Titans.

At the University of Calgary, the 6-foot-6, 290-pound Federkeil was a two-time Canada West all-star as a defensive end.

Cal Murphy, a former CFL executive now with the Colts, had this to say about Federkeil’s unique abilities:

"I'd watched him play and I'd watched tapes of him, too, and I noticed he would sometimes play in short-yardage situations (as an extra blocker for the Dinos)," Murphy, a former CFL head coach with the B.C. Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders, told the Globe and Mail. "He came off the ball better on offence than he did on defence. Even before he played in the East-West Shrine game I sent an original report to the Colts that said he should be an offensive lineman."

"At training camp, they had a one-on-one drill with Dan and (defensive end) Robert Mathis, who is so quick," Murphy told the Globe and Mail’s Alan Maki. "Mathis jumps offside inside then he jumps offside outside and then Dan jumps to the outside and ole Mathis, he hit him under the chin and lifted Dan right off the ground. He was lying there on his back with his feet up. It was funny."

According to the Globe and Mail, it's uncertain what happens next for Federkeil, who could return to the practice roster.

"I really feel the kid has impressed by overcoming every bit of odds he did." Murphy told the Globe and Mail. "To go in there and fight and do it from a defensive-line spot to an offensive-line spot is a big feather in his cap. I'm happy for him."

PRO HISTORY

Signed as FA by Colts on December 2, 2006…originally signed as FA on May 1, 2006…was waived on August 30, 2006…signed to Colts practice squad on September 4, 2006

COLLEGE

Five-year player who was standout on DL…had 111 career tackles, 20 for losses, and 13 sacks…started eight games as fifth-year senior…totaled 31 stops, 12 for losses, four sacks, two FF, one FR and four passes defensed…was Canada West nominee for J.P. Metras trophy as CIS Lineman-of-the-Year…was unanimous conference All-Star and second-team All-Canadian choice…also was named was named University of Calgary Athlete-of-the-Year…played in East-West Shrine Game…started eight games as senior…had 36 stops, three for losses, two sacks, four FF and two passes defensed…saw action on OL in short-yardage situations…played in CFL Futures Game…started seven of eight games as junior…had 27 stops, three sacks, one FF, one FR and one pass defensed…was team nominee for Lineman-of-the-Year and was second team CIS All-Canadian…started seven games as sophomore…had 14 tackles, five for losses, four sacks, two FF and one blocked FG…played in four games as freshman…had three tackles…was one of youngest players ever to dress for university at 17 years old…became starter mid-way through season and was nominated for Rookie-of-the-Year honors…was member of Alberta Provincial team, earning all-star honors...majored in social sciences.

PERSONAL

Full name is Daniel Hubert Federkeil…born in Medicine Hat, Alberta…was Rangeland Football Conference Lineman-of-the-Year and RFC All-Star in 2000…single…resides in Medicine Hat, Alberta.