Cameron Judge, Roughriders' top pick, says he still has eyes for the NFL

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' toppick in the 2017Canadian Football League (CFL) draft says he was glad to hear his name called Sunday but says he still has eyes for the National Football League (NFL).

The Roughriders grabbed 22-year-old linebacker Cameron Judge, who has played four seasons for the UCLA Bruins.

But the jury's still out on whether Judge will actually be in camp come May 28 in Saskatoon.

Judge doesn't hide the fact that his goal is still to play in the NFL, saying he willattend a Houston Texans rookie camp next weekend.

"If things don't work out [in Houston], it's nice knowing I have somewhere to go," said Judge Sunday night. "If I don't make an [NFL] team I'm definitely coming upthere to play and prepared to give it everything I got, be fully committed to this team."

Judge was passed over in the NFL draft last week.

"It was a pretty long weekend last weekend not hearing my name.It was definitely a relief this time around," said Judge Sunday night.

"I don't have too many expectations, I'm just going there, work hard like I do and just let it play out however it does."

Coach happy with pick

Ridershead coach Chris Jones confirmed the teamwasactively trying to trade down with itsfirst-round selection, but with no takers itgrabbed 22-year-old Judge, who has played 47 collegiate games over four seasons with the UCLA Bruins.

"He's a guy that can come in and compete right awayspecial teams-wise," said Jones moments after making the pick.

"There's three different positions defensively he can play, but most importantly if we have an injury or whatever, he gives us a little more flexibility."

"Anybody that can broad jump10-11 (10 to feet 11 inches) and runs 4.5 that plays linebacker in our league, regardless of nationality, has a chance to be succesful," added Jones.

After the Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened thedraft by selecting defensive lineman Faith Ekakitie, the Ridersjumped on Judge.

Originally from Montreal,Judge has picked up 46 defensive tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one interception with the Bruins, according to a Roughriders press release.

The Riders' second pick was offensive linemanDariuszBladekfrom theBethune-CookmanWildcats.

Barring trades, the Roughriders have picks remaining in all but the third round of the eight-round draft.