Tanner Schmekel
Tanner Schmekel is a Canadian professional football defensive tackle for the Winnipeg [Blue Bombers] of the Canadian [Football League]. He played U [Sports football] at Regina.
Early life
Schmekel attended Michael A. Riffel High School in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was part of the Canada team that won the 2018 IFAF U-19 [World Championship].
University and junior career
Schmekel played U Sports football for the Regina Rams from 2017 to 2022. He was redshirted in 2017 after dressing in just one game. He dressed in eight games, all starts, in 2018, recording 23 tackles. Schmekel did not play for the Rams in 2019 and instead played for the Regina Thunder of the Canadian [Junior Football League]. He returned to the Rams in 2020 but the season ended up being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He dressed in six games, all starts, for the Rams during the 2021 season, totaling 13 tackles and one sack. Schmekel started eight games in 2022, accumulating 22 tackles, two sacks, and one pass breakup, earning first-team All-Canadian and Canada West [Universities Athletic Association|Canada West] All-Star honors.
Professional career
Schmekel was selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League in the fourth round, with the 35th overall pick, of the 2023 CFL draft. He officially signed with the team on May 8. He was moved between the practice roster and active roster several times during the 2023 season. Overall, he dressed in five games, recording one defensive tackle and one sack, in 2023.