Nelson Lokombo (born March 23, 1999) is a Canadian professional football defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
| No. 21 Saskatchewan Roughriders | |
 Lokombo with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024 | |
| Born: | March 23, 1999 Abbotsford, British Columbia |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| University | Saskatchewan Huskies |
| High school | W. J. Mouat Secondary |
| CFL draft | 2021, round: 1, pick: 2 |
| Drafted by | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2021–present | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Honours | |
| Career stats | |
| |
University career
editLokombo played U Sports football for the Saskatchewan Huskies from 2017 to 2019.[1] In 2019, he was named a First Team All-Canadian and was also awarded the Presidents' Trophy as the top defensive player in U Sports football.[1] He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the 2020 U Sports football season.
Professional career
editIn the CFL Scouting Bureau's Final Rankings, Lokombo was named the 17th best player available in the 2021 CFL Draft.[2] However, he exceeded those rankings and was drafted second overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders and signed with the team on June 4, 2021.[3] Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a pre-training camp workout and sat out the entire 2021 season.[4][5]
Following 2022 training camp, Lokombo not only won a roster spot, but was also named an opening day starter at cornerback.[5][6] He made his professional debut on June 11, 2022, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he had one defensive tackle.[7] He started the first three games of the season before being moved to the injured list for the fourth game of the season.[6] Upon his return the active roster, Lokombo moved primarily to a backup role before returning to the injured list for the final five games of the season.[6] He played in 12 regular season games, starting in four, where he had 13 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, and one forced fumble.[7][6]
In 2023, Lokombo played in the first 10 games of the regular season before sitting out seven of the last eight due to injury.[7][8] He played in 11 games, starting in one, where he had five defensive tackles and four special teams tackles.[7][8]
Personal life
editLokombo is the youngest of five brothers, with Boseko playing linebacker professionally in the CFL and Boloy having played defensive back for Minnesota–Duluth.[9][10]
References
edit- ^ a b "Nelson Lokombo". Saskatchewan Huskies. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ "Josh Palmer tops spring CFL Scouting Bureau Rankings". Canadian Football League. April 26, 2021.
- ^ "Riders sign second overall draft pick Nelson Lokombo". Canadian Football League. June 4, 2021.
- ^ "Green scene appeals to Roughriders' Nelson Lokombo". Saskatchewan Roughriders. June 1, 2023.
- ^ a b "Former second overall pick Nelson Lokombo to make Riders debut as starting cornerback". 3DownNation. June 10, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Game notes" (PDF). Canadian Football League. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Nelson Lokombo". Canadian Football League. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "Game notes" (PDF). Canadian Football League. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Adams, J. J. (May 7, 2021). "Football ties run deep with the Lokombos, but brotherly bonds run deeper". The Province.
- ^ Olajuwon, Hakeem (August 20, 2008). "The dream chaser". The Province.