Philpot Twins Slated as Top Talents In 2022 CFL Draft
Second generation talents often receive additional attention during combine and draft season. The 2022 CFL draft features not one, but two in Jalen and Tyson Philpot. The twin brothers, sons of former CFL running back Cory Philpot are garnering superstar levels of attention as draft day grows closer. Jalen currently is slated to be the 1st receiver taken off the board, with Tyson not far behind as the 3rd receiver taken, and for good reason, considering how decorated the two athletes are at only the young age of 21.
Together they graduated from Seaquam Secondary School in Delta, BC before both accepting scholarships to the University of Calgary. The pair excelled during their time at Calgary. Jalen totalled 113 receptions, 1889 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in 22 career games as a Dino while Tyson tallied 77 receptions, 1574 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in only 16 career games. Tyson played in only two games during the 2019 regular season after suffering a broken foot but was able to return to the field and help his brother and the Dino’s bring home the 2019 Vanier Cup. Tyson was also named U Sports Rookie of the Year in 2018.
Before their time at the University of Calgary the Philpot brothers played in the 2018 U18 International Bowl in Arlington Texas, where Jalen would lead Team Canada to a victory over Team USA, taking home game MVP honors. Later that summer they took part in the U19 International Federation of America Football World Championships in Mexico City. The pair dominated the tournament leading Team Canada to a gold medal game victory over Team Mexico.
Jalen is currently positioned to be taken as the 3rd overall pick by his hometown BC Lions and although unlikely, it is not impossible that he lands there with his brother. The Lions shouldn’t be afraid to double dip at receiver in the second round as well, picking again at the 12th overall selection.
Based on pure talent alone it seems highly unlikely Tyson falls as far as 12, but if other teams were to draft for need between the Lions’ two picks, BC should pull the trigger.
Despite the high speculation of the pair being drafted to the same team, and the fact that the brothers have hardly ever taken the field without one another, the two can both confidently say they are pushing to be split up come the CFL draft.
During an interview Jalen would tell me “We’re both pushing for that[..] there’s only been one time in our 18-year football careers that we haven’t been on the same team together, so we want to be able to play on separate teams and be able to go out there and look across the field and see who’s going to outwork each other and battle for that CFL Rookie of the Year.”
Tyson would later add “We’ve been on the same team for so long, were excited to make our own paths[..] coming is as the rookie Canadian receivers we’d probably be battling for that same job so it would be cool to say we both got on a starting lineup right away.”
Both brothers stand 6’1 and 195 lbs but the way they play their positions are not all that alike. Jalen primarily plays as a slot receiver and relies on his quickness and route running. Tyson, a pure wide receiver prides his game on his physicality and sure hands. The combination of their two skillsets has proven to be their biggest advantage throughout their career together at every level and should be no different if they land on the same CFL roster when the draft is said and done.
The 2022 CFL Draft will take place on Tuesday May 3rd at 8:00pm EST in Toronto.
Article Written by: Jamie Shiho
