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DSU Standout Signs with Canadian Football League

Dakota State University (DSU) football stand out Tommy Hofer has signed with the Toronto Argonauts, of the professional Canadian Football League (CFL).  Hofer was an All-American with the DSU Trojans, setting conference and school records in receptions.  The Lennox, SD native graduated from DSU in 2005.

Hofer sent a highlight tape to the Toronto Argonauts Director of Football Operations in December.  He got a phone call from the Assistant General Manager in January, letting him know they were impressed with his performance at Dakota State.  The Toronto Argonauts invited Hofer to Toronto for a tryout on February 8 along with a quarterback the team was also looking at.  When Hofer received his itinerary for the trip, he learned that the quarterback was Eric Crouch, the Heisman Trophy winner and former quarterback from the University of Nebraska.

When he arrived in Toronto, Hofer was greeted by coaches from the Argonauts and introduced to Crouch. The two were taken to the Toronto practice facility for a workout that consisted of two 40-yard runs and an hour of running routines with Crouch and other current Argonaut players.  Television cameras, sports reporters, and other onlookers were at the workout to cover Crouch’s presence.  Shortly after the workout was completed, Hofer was offered a one-year contract with the Toronto Argonauts.

Following the workout, Hofer and Crouch were guests at a Toronto Raptors-San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball game.  While at the game, they met with the Toronto Raptors’ team owners, the President and CEO of the Raptors, and the Head Coach of the Toronto Argonauts.  Hofer sat with the Argonauts Head Coach Michael “Pin Ball” Clemons at the game. 

Hofer commented about his trip and signing with Toronto Argonauts, “Overall, the experience was incredible, almost overwhelming at times.  I felt fortunate to get a chance to tryout, especially with the likes of Eric Crouch.  He was very personable and enjoyable person to talk with.”

Hofer will be reporting to Toronto Argonaut’s training camp the first part of May.  For more information on Toronto Argonaut’s team and CFL, go to http://www.argonauts.on.ca/.