Small-town Saskatchewan product receives invitation to the CFL Invitational Combine
Football has always been a central part of Rylan Sokul’s life. Now, the Wynyard, Sask., product and Regina Rams receiver is getting his chance to shine at the CFL Invitational Combine.
“I was very excited when I heard about that (the CFL combine), it was definitely on my radar and I was hoping to receive an invitation,” said Sokul. “It’s kind of crazy looking at it from the outside when you’re a kid and you wanna try to play in the CFL.
“It’s just a dream and now it’s only a couple steps away.”
Sokul played for the Wynyard Bears football program through high school before graduating in 2018. Following his high school career, the 6-foot-4 wide out would spend 2018-2022 with the Regina Thunder in the CJFL before joining the University of Regina Rams in 2023.
The wide receiver brings an impressive resume with him to the combine with accolades that include being a two-time all-Canadian, Prairie Football Conference (PFC) MVP, and a 2022 PFC championship.
Sokul was a focal point in the Rams offence, recording 17 receptions for 214 yards en route to the 2024 Hardy Cup championship. Along with his actions on the field, Sokul remains a key voice in the Rams locker room.
“He’s one of those big-bodied receivers that you feel like you can go to at any moment,” said Owen Sieben, the University of Regina’s veteran quarterback.
“He’s just such a leader. We went on a losing streak in the middle of the season and his ability to keep showing up and leading by example was so pivotal in turning our season around.”
By combining hard work with leadership skills, Sokul’s effort has paid off and he now finds himself preparing for the combine this month in Waterloo.
The wide receiver credits past coaches along with his parents for helping him get to the position he finds himself in today.
“My mom and dad are two of my biggest supporters, whenever they have an opportunity to cheer me on they are always super excited.”
Rylan’s parents Morris Sokul and Stephanie Cuddington are frequent members of the Rams faithful who attend nearly every game regardless of location.
Morris, who coached the Wynyard Bears high school football program for decades, coached Rylan through his early football career. Now retired from teaching, Morris and the rest of Rylan’s family have found more time to follow his football career around Western Canada.
Sokul was also quick to mention the impact coaches from the Bears, Thunder and Rams have had on his football journey and credited many lessons he learned from them for the position he finds himself in today.
The CFL Invitational Combine will take place at the University of Waterloo on Feb. 28 where the most impressive prospects will move onto the main combine in Regina from March 21-23.
