SASKATOON - The Montreal Allouettes have become home for one University of Saskatchewan Huskies 2007 all-Canadian defensive back. Paul Woldu has been granted his second opportunity to play with the pros as the Allouettes drafted him 36 overall in the fifth round of the 2008 CFL draft.
After being cut from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2005, Woldu accredits hard work and his determination to earn another shot at playing in the CFL for his current position on the Allouette’s traveling roster.
“I have taken so many things with me from my experience with the huskies,” said Woldu of his transition to the pros. “However, the one thing that has helped me out the most is the work ethic that is demanded by our Huskie football club. I had to get noticed and the hard working environment of the program allowed me to progress.”
The Regina native played junior football for the Regina Thunder, earning himself an invitation to the 2005 Roughriders fall training camp. After he was cut, Woldu became determined to earn himself a second chance and moving to Saskatoon to play for the Huskies became imperative. Woldu played two seasons with the Huskies and boy did he stand out.
As a shutdown corner for the Dogs, Woldu contributed to the Huskies 2006 Vanier Cup run. Woldu will forever be remembered for his vital interception return for a touchdown in the 2006 Mitchell Bowl victory against the Ottawa Gee Gees that helped seal the win and a return back to Saskatoon for the 2006 Vanier Cup.
Woldu was on everyone’s radar heading into the 2007 season and an impressive year with 18 tackles, one interception and five break-ups earned himself all-Canadian status. After then dominating in both strength and agility at the 2008 CFL combine, Woldu was set for the draft and a second chance at what he has always dreamed of doing, playing professional football.
The Montreal Allouettes picked him up in the fifth round and he hasn’t looked back since. More determined than ever, Woldu worked hard in order to separate himself from the pack and make the team.
“The one thing I did to stand out was to try and work harder then anyone else on the field,” said Woldu of his second CFL tryout. “I realized that at the pro level we can all cover, tackle, run and catch footballs. So, to stand out I made sure to work hard and play the game fast and fearless, sacrificing my body every play and showing that I can compete and be successful at this level.”
Woldu has recorded a single tackle after six weeks of the CFL regular season which is none the less impressive for a rookie defensive back. As Woldu continues to improve and learn, he focuses on the mental aspect of the game by watching film and taking pointers from arguably the CFL’s best defensive back Davis Sanchez.
Wearing number 45 with the Allouettes, Woldu is excited to represent his family, his old team mates and his province at the pro level. It is only a matter of time before this Saskatchewan boy dazzles the CFL the only way he knows how, through hard work and determination.