Jack B. Bedell
CFL.ca
There’s no week that holds more promise than the first week of June for a CFL fan. Training camps are set to open, rosters are as full as they’ll ever be, and there’s just no better way to spend the last few days of the off-season than pouring over those names looking for the reasons why your team will take home the Grey Cup in November.
Now, it’s easy to cherry-pick, to write in a 70+ completion percentage for Ricky Ray, to put down 1200+ yards for Joffrey Reynolds, or to guarantee 10 sacks for Brent Johnson. The Wes Cateses, Derick Armstrongs, and Avon Cobournes are already on radar, and the real surprise would be if they failed to put in their work.
The real trick is locating the players in the on-deck circle, the ones just outside the glow of the spotlight who are set to break out in 2009. Every team has them, and every fan is sure he knows who they are.
Here’s my top eight ready to blow it out this season:
1) Ricky Foley, DE, B.C. Lions
The rush end spot opposite Brent Johnson has been a star-maker for the Lions the past three or four years, and Foley’s the next man up. He’s got good size and nice speed, a noisy home crowd, and the rare benefit of Johnson chasing plays his way, so there’s no reason to think Foley won’t be a force coming off the other end for B.C.
2) Jabari Arthur, WR, Calgary Stampeders
The Stamps’ receiving corps might just be the most difficult, congested place to make a name for yourself in the CFL, but Arthur has the goods to carve out a spot for himself. He’s a big target with more than enough speed to threaten defences, and given playing time, he’ll find the ball, no doubt.
3) Kevin Challenger, WR, Edmonton Eskimos
In limited playing time last season, Challenger averaged over 20-yards per reception. If the contract extension he signed in the off-season is any indication of the Esks faith in him, Challenger should see the field more in 2009, and I’d say he’s the perfect candidate to replace the offence Edmonton lost when Kelly Campbell jumped to the NFL.
4) Brandon Guillory, DE, Hamilton Ticats
As tempted as I am to slot Quinton Porter into this spot, I have to go with Guillory here. For one reason or another, he had trouble finding the field in Edmonton last year. The simple fact is, though, when given snaps, Guillory is a guaranteed sack in the box score. Over the course of his short career, he’s proven to be a menace coming off the edge, and with a fresh start in Steeltown complete with a chance to earn a starting rush end spot week in and week out, Guillory will light it up in 2009, trust me.
5) Shea Emry, LB, Montreal Alouettes
Last season, Emry led the Als in special teams tackles, finishing tied for seventh in the CFL. With teams ace Shawn Gallant moving on, Emry should take on an even larger role in the Als’ coverage schemes and should see the field a bit at LB as well. Emry’s a physically-gifted, high-motor player who plays way too hard not to get noticed around the league.
6) Renauld Williams, LB, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Anton McKenzie and Maurice Lloyd aren’t around to cast shadows any longer, so it’s Williams’ turn to step out into the spotlight. With the first extended playing time of his short career in Riderville last season, Williams notched 38 tackles, three sacks, and a pick. In 2009, I wouldn’t be shocked to see those numbers double.
7) Reggie McNeal, QB/WR, Toronto Argonauts
Down the stretch in 2008, McNeal was one of the league’s most dynamic receivers, posting 100-yard games almost every time he saw the field. And he did all that listed as a QB on the Argos’ depth chart! He’s definitely a dangerous player who generates as much excitement as he does yardage. Toronto’s new coaching staff has to find ways to keep him on the field, and with the CFL adopting a rule this past off-season to allow players other than the QB to line up under centre, McNeal’s versatility is sure to be a valuable commodity.
8) Stefan LeFors, QB, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
When Ricky Ray was dinged up in 2007, LeFors played well enough to prove he can play QB in the league. Now he has a chance to prove he can lead his own team in Winnipeg, and I have a feeling he’ll pull it off. He’s a smart player and natural leader with more mobility than people realize. LeFors also has plenty enough arm to handle those prairie winds. Sometimes good things happen for good people, and I bet 2009 will be one of those times for LeFors and for Bombers fans.
UP NEXT
Camps will be in full-swing by next week, so check in to get my take on who’s hot and who’s onthe hot seat. I’ll also break out a couple of roster long shots who just might stick.
Enjoy your roster hunting this week. I know I will.
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