Brad Hladik with the UBC Thunderbirds was chosen in the CFL Draft by the Edmonton Elks. (photo credit: Rich Lam/UBC Thunderbirds)

By Pete McIntyre

CFL draft

All in the family: Vernon product taken in CFL Draft

May 1, 2024 | 1:00 PM

A Vernon family is making a name for itself in the Canadian Football League.

Brad Hladik was selected by the Edmonton Elks in the second round, 18th overall, in the CFL Draft on April 30.

Hladik, a 6-4, 235 pound tight end, played high school football with the Vernon Secondary Panthers before joining the Okanagan Sun and then the UBC Thunderbirds from 2019 to 2023.

Brad is the brother of BC Lions linebacker, Ben Hladik, who had a breakout season in 2023, becoming just the fourth Canadian player to record 100 tackles in a season.

UBC ➡️ EE

The Edmonton Elks select FB Bradley Hladik with the 18th-overall pick in the second round of the 2024 CFL Draft. #OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/J3lVgm3IMF

— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) May 1, 2024

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Because of his size, the Elks plan to use Brad as a fullback and on special teams, possibly as a long-snapper which he did with UBC.

Brad told 3DownNation in a pre-draft preview, he’s happy living outside of his older brother’s spotlight.

“He can take the spotlight, I’ll just keep grinding in the corner. I don’t mind it at all,” Brad said. “If having him as my brother gives me a shot, I’ll take whatever I can and hopefully just make the most out of it.”

Hladik told the website, he will play whatever role the team wants him to.

“If they want me as a tight end, I’m there. If they want me as a sixth O-lineman and to put on 40 pounds, I’m there too. Whatever they want, I’m in for it. If they want me to just long snap, I’ll get slimmed down a little bit, get a little faster, and work on it every day.”

Sports journalist Howard Tsumura said Ben and Brad’s grandfather, Frank, and dad, Scott, both played high school football in Alberta, while older brother Andy did likewise in Vernon.

by Pete McIntyre

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