KINGSTON, Ont. (Jan. 16, 2025) - Three members of Queen's Football competed in the College Gridiron Showcase, an annual all-star event for seniors that kicks off the draft scouting season, in Texas last weekend.

Darien Newell, Ashton Miller-Melancon, and Silas Hubert were invited to attend and compete in the event, and according to a report from 3DownNation.com, all three put in impressive performances.

Newell (Philosophy) competed in defensive line drills and his performance at the event resulted in an interview with scouts from the NFL's New England Patriots, according to the 3DownNation report.

From 3DownNation: Queen's University defensive tackle Darien Newell was an absolute wrecking ball during Saturday's pass rush one-on-ones, violently knocking back opponents regardless of the logo on their helmets. At six-foot-three and 298 pounds, the three-time All-Canadian showed special twitch at his size and NFL calibre power, which resulted in an interview with the New England Patriots. 

Newell was named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian after finishing the 2024 regular season with 18.5 tackles (13 solo, 11 assisted), 3.5 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for a loss. Newell was tied for 11^th in the OUA in sacks and tackles for a loss. Newell appeared on the Fall Edition of the CFL Scouting Bureau's Top 20 prospects list for the 2025 CFL Draft, coming in at No. 19.

Miller-Melancon (Arts & Science) finished the 2024 regular season with 16.5 tackles (10 solo, 13 assisted) and three interceptions. A multi-time OUA All-Star, Miller-Melancon is tied for 10th on Queen's Football's All-Time Interceptions list with 12 through four seasons. Miller-Melancon put up a strong showing in defensive backs competition, per the 3DownNation.com report.

From 3DownNation: The biggest riser among the DBs may have been Queen's University's Ashton Miller-Melancon, who rounded out an impressive trio of Gaels. After making 16 interceptions in his U Sports career, the Montrealer added one during one-on-ones on Saturday and another during the team period on Sunday. The all-star halfback looked remarkably comfortable and very fluid at corner, recovering when beaten to make a couple of nice knockdowns as well.

Hubert (Geology) also competed in defensive line drills at the College Gridiron Showcase, and was mentioned in the 3DownNation.com report.

From 3DownNation: Newell's university teammate, Silas Hubert, stood out physically at six-foot-five and 259 pounds, effectively using his 34-inch arms for solid reps at both end and tackle.

Hubert was named an OUA Second Team All-Star in 2024 after he led Queen's Football with 4.0 sacks and 8.0 tackles for a loss, while also adding 20.5 tackles (13 solo, 15 assisted), one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Hubert was tied for sixth in the conference in sacks and fourth in tackles for a loss.