Edmonton Elks Select Antonio Alfano in CFL Supplemental Draft: A New Chapter for a Promising Talent
Alfano, a six-foot-four, 285-pound defender, was once the fifth-ranked prospect in the entire United States coming out of Colonia High School in 2019. His high school ranking placed him above several current high-profile NFL players, including Evan Neal, Garrett Wilson, Travon Walker, George Pickens, and Charles Cross. This pedigree hints at the immense raw talent that Alfano possesses, making him a noteworthy addition to the Elks’ roster.
The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward for the native of Livingston, N.J. Initially, Alfano committed to the University of Alabama, a powerhouse in college football. However, his time there was cut short when head coach Nick Saban accused him of quitting the team. This setback led Alfano to transfer to the University of Colorado in the spring of 2020, but he faced further challenges, being suspended and never suiting up for the team.
Following these turbulent experiences, Alfano spent time at Independence Community College, a period during which he did not play, and then took a year away from football entirely. His hiatus ended with a stint at Lackawanna College, a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) program in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Here, Alfano began to rebuild his career, recording 14 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, one pass knockdown, and one forced fumble over just five games in 2023. These statistics reflect his capability to impact the game and suggest a readiness to return to competitive football at a higher level.
One of the intriguing aspects of Alfano’s selection is his potential Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Toronto. This eligibility was exclusively reported by 3DownNation last month and adds another layer of value to his acquisition. Securing a player with dual nationality is particularly beneficial in the CFL, where teams must navigate complex rules regarding the ratio of Canadian to international players on the roster.
The Edmonton Elks’ decision to pick Alfano in the supplemental draft, thereby forfeiting an eighth-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, reflects their belief in his ability to contribute to the team’s defensive line. The supplemental draft allows teams to add players who become eligible after the regular draft has concluded, often due to changes in eligibility status, such as gaining Canadian citizenship.
For Alfano, this selection represents a fresh start and an opportunity to fulfill the promise that saw him ranked among the best high school prospects in the United States. It is a chance to demonstrate his skills and resilience, qualities that have been tested and refined through his challenging journey.
The Elks, under the leadership of head coach Chris Jones and general manager Brock Sunderland, are betting on Alfano’s talent and potential. His physical attributes and collegiate experience, albeit limited, suggest that he could become a disruptive force on the defensive line. The Elks’ defensive unit will benefit from his size, strength, and ability to penetrate the backfield, disrupting opposing offenses.
As the Edmonton Elks prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Antonio Alfano adds a layer of excitement and anticipation. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this highly touted prospect adapts to the professional level and whether he can harness his raw talent to make a significant impact in the CFL. This selection marks the beginning of a new chapter in Alfano’s football journey, one filled with the promise of redemption and the pursuit of excellence on the field.