CFL Prospect Rankings: An Unexpected Position for Émeric Boutin

Laval University Rouge et Or center-back Émeric Boutin takes a major step forward in his young career, moving up to 20th place in the Canadian Football League's winter rankings of top prospects for the upcoming draft.

This recognition is all the more noteworthy in that he is the only representative of Canadian university football to earn a place in this prestigious top 20, largely dominated by players from the American ranks.

After an exceptional 2025 season, Boutin caught the attention of scouts thanks to his versatility, intensity, and consistency. Capable of making an impact as both a receiver and a blocker, he also stood out on special units, a valuable asset in the evaluation of players aspiring to the professional level.

His remarkable progress is a testament to the hard work he has put into establishing himself in the Rouge et Or forward line, as he explained in an interview with CFL.ca.

His rise is all the more impressive given that he did not feature in the fall edition of this same ranking. In the space of just a few months, Boutin has turned his performances into a calling card for CFL decision-makers, demonstrating his ability to adapt and raise his game in key moments.

An international showcase to confirm his potential

This recognition also translated into an invitation to the renowned College Gridiron Showcase (CGI), held from January 9 to 11 in Texas. Every year, the event brings together the best university players from Canada and the United States, offering them a unique platform to measure themselves against the elite and attract the attention of a multitude of professional scouts.

Boutin took advantage of this opportunity to showcase his size, game sense, and ability to adapt to different offensive systems. The intensive practices, combined with individual evaluations and interviews with several teams, enabled him to enrich his experience and consolidate his credibility with CFL organizations.

Already a U SPORTS First Team All-Star Offensive selection, Émeric Boutin confirms his status as a rising star in Canadian university football. With just a few months to go before the draft, his inspiring career demonstrates that Canadian talent can compete with that from south of the border.

This content was created with the help of AI.