Pataki Impresses At CFL Combine

Wallaceburg’s Jonah Pataki watched his stock rise for the upcoming CFL Draft after impressing during fitness testing at the CFL Combine March 23-25 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

He came in with his expectations after putting up top numbers at the Ontario Regional Combine, and again showed scouts in key tests that he has explosive strength.

Pataki’s 36.5-inch vertical topped the competition on Friday, while he also jumped a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump. He jumped 10-foot, 3.5-inches at the Regional combine, which was the fourth highest result recorded this year at any combine.

“His regional combine numbers were crazy,” said Marshall Ferguson of CFL.ca. “That’s the fourth best broad jump ever for a running back. That just goes to show lower body explosion stuff.”

One spot where Pataki did not perform as well, and will be challenged by a CFL team to improve should he be drafted, was his 40-yard dash, which he ran in 4.808.

“For his 40, that’s the one concerning thing about him,” said Ferguson. “For a guy that jumps so well and is that quick, his shuttle time is amazing but his 10, 20 and 40 are kind of all average so that would be my one concern that the scouts will probably wonder about.”

Pataki trains in Chatham with trainer Colin Roeszler at Athletes Fuel Strength & Conditioning.

The 2016 Canadian Football League draft will take place May 7.