Blue Bombers add four to roster - May 1, 2024

ModAdmin · May 02, 2024, 06:03:46 AM

Blue Bombers add four to roster - May 1, 2024

WINNIPEG, MB., May 1, 2024 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed three Americans – defensive backs Isaiah Norman, Patrick Rogers and Demetries Ford and Canadian kicker Dante Mastrogiuseppe.

Norman (6-0, 206, Marshall University; born: July 14, 1998, in Memphis, TN) joins the Blue Bombers after attending training camp last year with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent and appearing in three preseason games.

Norman began his collegiate days at Austin Peay State University (2017-21), appearing in 46 games for the Governors and registering 148 tackles (98 solo, 50 assists), six tackles for loss, three interceptions – including one for a touchdown – 15 pass knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He transferred to Marshall University in 2022 and had 23 tackles (11 solo, 12 assists) and one fumble recovery in nine games.

Rogers (5-11, 190, Central Washington University; born: June 30, 1999, in Tacoma, WA) was a First Team Defence American Football Coaches Association All-American in 2022 and an Honorable Mention Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-American. He appeared in 46 games for the Wildcats during his career (2018-23) registering 110 defensive tackles, 65 assists, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recovers, two blocks and seven interceptions – including two for touchdowns.

Ford (5-8, 170, Arizona State; born: January 27, 2001 in South Miami, FL) appeared in 12 games for the Sun Devils in 2023 and finished with 25 defensive tackles, six assists, five pass knockdowns and one forced fumble. Ford began his collegiate career at Youngstown State in 2019, appearing in 18 games over two seasons, before transferring to Austin Peay in 2021 where he appeared in 22 games over two years with the Governors and had 61 total tackles (38 solo, 23 assists), one tackle for loss, one sack, fumble recovery and forced fumble along with three interceptions. He was a 2022 Associated Press Third Team FCS All-American and 2022 All-ASUN Conference All-Star.

Mastrogiuseppe (6-1, 197, University of Toronto; born: June 1, 1997, in London, Ont.) was signed by the Blue Bombers after attending the CFL Kicking Showcase in San Diego in January and played in the 2023 College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas.
Mastrogiuseppe spent the 2022 season with the Varsity Blues, punting 55 times for a 42.6-yard average in eight games, and placing 11 punts inside the 20-yard line. He was named a Second Team OUA All-Star.
He began his college career at York University (2017-19), punting 213 times for a 39.5-yard average. He also did some field-goal kicking, connecting on 50 percent of his attempts, with a long of 44 yards.

Blue In BC · May 02, 2024, 03:46:52 PM

Why did the Elks release Makonzo? I know they drafted heavily at LB but this is a good player. Give him a call.

kkc60 · May 02, 2024, 04:52:48 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 02, 2024, 03:46:52 PMWhy did the Elks release Makonzo? I know they drafted heavily at LB but this is a good player. Give him a call.

a perfect backup to Kramdi

TecnoGenius · May 03, 2024, 02:39:50 AM

Quote from: kkc60 on May 02, 2024, 04:52:48 PMa perfect backup to Kramdi

The name Makonzo rings a small bell, but he doesn't stand out to me as someone who was stellar. But #4 '22 pick?? I guess that says something. But he's off ELC and may want a 1st-round payday. We'd probably have to pay him more than Kramdi!! Which makes no sense.

I'd rather go the other way and get a rookie IMP SAM out of TC and have Kramdi back him up, as is more traditional in the CFL. And it would be cheaper!

GOLDMEMBER · May 03, 2024, 12:40:09 PM

Can I help the level competition at this year's training camp.

Just want to give kudos to outstanding scouting staff.

Looking forward to multiple newcomers shine!

Blue In BC · May 03, 2024, 12:59:32 PM

Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 03, 2024, 02:39:50 AMThe name Makonzo rings a small bell, but he doesn't stand out to me as someone who was stellar. But #4 '22 pick?? I guess that says something. But he's off ELC and may want a 1st-round payday. We'd probably have to pay him more than Kramdi!! Which makes no sense.

I'd rather go the other way and get a rookie IMP SAM out of TC and have Kramdi back him up, as is more traditional in the CFL. And it would be cheaper!

He's coming off an injury in 2023 and a very limited number of games played. I don't know what the injury was or whether he's fully recovered or not. In that sense he's not going to be looking for a big payday after barely playing in 2023.

His passport and high draft pick in 2022 can't be totally ignored though. I guess we'll see if any team shows interest.

kkc60 · May 03, 2024, 02:19:45 PM

Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 03, 2024, 02:39:50 AMThe name Makonzo rings a small bell, but he doesn't stand out to me as someone who was stellar. But #4 '22 pick?? I guess that says something. But he's off ELC and may want a 1st-round payday. We'd probably have to pay him more than Kramdi!! Which makes no sense.

I'd rather go the other way and get a rookie IMP SAM out of TC and have Kramdi back him up, as is more traditional in the CFL. And it would be cheaper!

Why would you assume he would want a payday? Obviously no one traded for him on his first round contract to suggest that he is valued enough. Also a rookie import SAM would be great to have, but bringing a Canadian option wouldn't hurt.