Maurice Canady
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Former Varina High School graduate and University of Virginia football star Maurice Canady became the latest Central Virginia athlete to be drafted into the NFL this past weekend.
The Richmond native was taken in the sixth round, 209 overall by the Baltimore Ravens Saturday.
Canady played cornerback, wide receiver and quarterback for Varina High, before playing cornerback for UVA from 2012-2015, starting his last three seasons with the school.
“I was so relieved when I received the call,” Canady said. “It was very nerve racking watching the draft so I decided to just go upstairs and let my family continue to watch it.”
He said about 20 minutes later, he got the call from the Baltimore Ravens, “My family and I were screaming in excitement.”
Canady was projected to be a fourth or fifth round pick by CBSSports and many other draft outlets. He said he’s grateful for the opportunity the Ravens have given him and he will use his draft position as motivation moving forward.
“They made a monster! I’ve never wanted to prove to so many people in my life! I have a huge chip on my shoulder and will play as such.”
The Ravens drafted 11 players over the weekend, with the 21-year-old as their last pick.
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome said he feels really good about his picks at the cornerback position, which includes Canady and Temple player Tavon Young.
“He’s a guy that really showed up at the Senior Bowl,” Newsome said of Canady.
“We were able to get some good young talent to come in here and compete to make this roster,” Newsome said. “Right now, the Baltimore Ravens are a much better football team.”
Canady was the only UVA player drafted over the weekend, extending the school’s streak to 33 years of having at least one player drafted.
“It just speaks volumes to the talent that comes through UVA and even the state of Virginia.” he said.
Canady thanked former UVA head coach Mike London and Varina Coach Stu Brown for all they’ve done to help him reach this point in his career.
You may remember Canady also made headlines in February when he honored fallen Prince William County Police officer Ashley Guindon at the NFL Scouting Combine. He wrote a message for the fallen officer on his cleats, “Officer Guindon 2/27/16 Never Forget.”
