Stampeders’ Reggie Begelton ‘would be a fool’ if he didn’t entertain NFL options

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Receiver Reggie Begelton is looking to parlay a breakout CFL season into and NFL shot.

“I would be a fool if I didn’t. I’ll give it a shot, but don’t be surprised if I’m back up here,” Begelton said. “It built my confidence, it showed everybody what I can still do.”

Begelton put up 1,444 yards and 10 touchdowns on 102 catches — earning Calgary’s Most Outstanding Player award. His first two years with the Stampeders combined the 26-year-old caught 47 balls for 792 yards and two majors. He nearly doubled the totals in each category.

Eric Rogers posted 87 receptions fro 1,448 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015 and he was highly sought by NFL teams. He signed a two-year, $1.19-million deal that off-season with the San Francisco 49ers, who guaranteed Rogers $225,000 ($125,000 signing bonus and $100,000 base salary). That was the largest guarantee for a CFL player since the Miami Dolphins gave former B.C. Lions star Cameron Wake a $1-million signing bonus in 2008.

The Beaumont, Texas native walked on at Lamar University. Over four seasons with the Cardinals, Begelton caught 227 passes for 2,435 yards and 20 touchdowns. He left the program as the all-time leader in receptions and yards, second in touchdowns.

During his pro day in front of scouts from the Panthers, Packers, Raiders, Rams and New York Begelton recorded a 39.5-inch vertical and 4.53 40-yard time. After going unselected in the 2016 NFL draft and sitting on the sidelines the entire year, Begelton signed with the Stamps in May 2017.

It’s conceivable Begelton could draw lots of interest. He stands six-foot-two, 205 pounds and catches the ball well. Even when Bo Levi Mitchell was sidelined due to a pectoral injury, Begelton remained productive. NFL franchises are sure to like Begelton being QB proof.