Blue Bombers Add Receiver
WINNIPEG, MB., April 9, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American wide receiver Christian Fredericksen.
Fredericksen (6-3, 208, Idaho State; born: February 8, 2002, in Rigby, ID.) joins the Bombers after a five-year collegiate career with Idaho State (2020-2024).
In his collegiate career, Fredericksen totalled 148 receptions for 2,071 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 14.0 yards per catch.
In his 2024 season, Fredericksen recorded 66 receptions for 915 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 13.9 yards per catch and was named First Team All Big-Sky Conference. He averaged 6.1 receptions and 85.1 receiving yards per game.
I am happy that the Bombers are bring in bigger receiver and DB's.
Any new receiver could be the next rookie of the year. At the very least could force a different choice on whether we start 3 import OL. Some of these rookies have some good skills.
The size of the players is a factor imo but not critical. Can they play consistently, can they adjust to the CFL game and are they good in the room. Some folks have focused on the size of our receivers and DB's in recent years. To me, just bring in the best talent possible, the rest will work out if they are ballers. That all said I like the size of this receiver. Anyone got his speed #s?
Quote from: Blueforlife on April 09, 2026, 06:15:24 PMThe size of the players is a factor imo but not critical. Can they play consistently, can they adjust to the CFL game and are they good in the room. Some folks have focused on the size of our receivers and DB's in recent years. To me, just bring in the best talent possible, the rest will work out if they are ballers. That all said I like the size of this receiver. Anyone got his speed #s?
4.6 40yd dash according to this:
https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1105007&DraftYear=2025
Quote from: VictorRomano on April 09, 2026, 07:24:22 PM4.6 40yd dash according to this:
https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1105007&DraftYear=2025
He looks like an American version of Tommy Nield but on that tape there was no evidence he has much YAC ability.
I dunno. I'm of the mind that maybe bigger RECs can make up for the lack of >55yd range in Zach. It'll be rare there'll be a home-run guy wide open so the bigger guys have a better chance contesting with DBs. Plus, they can take the punishment in the middle and hang on, too, and out-ladder the shorter guys.
Think back to Eric Rogers. There were 2-3 seasons no one could touch him until his body broke completely (the downside of being a giant...).
Quote from: Tecno on April 10, 2026, 07:27:23 AMI dunno. I'm of the mind that maybe bigger RECs can make up for the lack of >55yd range in Zach. It'll be rare there'll be a home-run guy wide open so the bigger guys have a better chance contesting with DBs. Plus, they can take the punishment in the middle and hang on, too, and out-ladder the shorter guys.
Think back to Eric Rogers. There were 2-3 seasons no one could touch him until his body broke completely (the downside of being a giant...).
Part of it might be that but I think, generally speaking, the Bombers are course correcting a drift that's occured in the last couple years in that we have become a relatively easy team to play against, physically speaking.
There's a few main reasons for this.
The defensive philosophy is a big one and we were a really terrible tackling team last year. The offensive identify was never really established last year and I'll place the blame on Hogan not knowing what he was doing and the offensive line not being good enough, but overall, we need to be more physical if we're going to win games and that means getting bigger alongside a mind shift change back to what worked. Attack. Be aggressive. Dictate play. Beat the man in front you of. We get back to that and we'll be in good shape.
Dalton Schoen only recorded 4:48 - 4:60 in his NFL draft profile. Not exceptional speed either. Speed is great but not the only factor, so too early to rule him in or out.
Fearlessness, grit and work ethic go a long way. I have no idea whether this newbie makes an impression. That's what TC is for.
Speed is good, but ability to use the waggle is much more important. Schoen showed that.
I wonder how much tape is on these receivers on plays where they are "in motion", and if that is a large factor in getting a CFL shot when the NFL has said no thanks.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 10, 2026, 04:55:19 PMSpeed is good, but ability to use the waggle is much more important. Schoen showed that.
I wonder how much tape is on these receivers on plays where they are "in motion", and if that is a large factor in getting a CFL shot when the NFL has said no thanks.
Canadian football uses receiver motion pre-snap, US football does not.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 10, 2026, 08:27:25 PMCanadian football uses receiver motion pre-snap, US football does not.
They use it in the NFL, but only one player can be in motion on offense, and it has to be either lateral or moving away backward from the line of scrimmage, so much different than the waggle. Its used in part to feel out whether the defense is in zone or man, or to get certain defensive players to move out of position. It won't predict at all who's going to master the waggle and who's not.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 10, 2026, 03:01:05 PMthe offensive line not being good enough, but overall, we need to be more physical if we're going to win games and that means getting bigger alongside a mind shift change back to what worked. Attack. Be aggressive.
Ya, that nastiness was missing after Chungh and then later Gray left. Those 2 were nasty nasty. Yoshi is the nastiest now, but he was never that nasty here. Play to the whistle, ya, but never the demeaning demoralizing dirtbag he is now. Just watch what he does in SSK. He teabags everyone he's on top of after each play. It's crazy. And it works. (Should have never let him walk; but maybe Broxton can finally fill those shoes.)
Quote from: Tecno on April 11, 2026, 02:24:35 AMYa, that nastiness was missing after Chungh and then later Gray left. Those 2 were nasty nasty. Yoshi is the nastiest now, but he was never that nasty here. Play to the whistle, ya, but never the demeaning demoralizing dirtbag he is now. Just watch what he does in SSK. He teabags everyone he's on top of after each play. It's crazy. And it works. (Should have never let him walk; but maybe Broxton can finally fill those shoes.)
The guys on defence are pretty mild too.
No receiver is concerned about getting hit hard when playing the Bombers.
Think Katsantonis. We have nobody like that.
Quote from: markf on April 11, 2026, 04:58:48 PMNo receiver is concerned about getting hit hard when playing the Bombers.
Think Katsantonis. We have nobody like that.
We did in Loffler. He kind of (re?)invented the nasty bruiser FS role. But it was that role that a) ruined his body causing a short career, and b) left many a deep explosion reception behind him (too busy moving up for run stop).
I think we need more beef and pain out of our WILL, and maybe MIKE. However, don't want to to cost lost injury games...
Quote from: markf on April 11, 2026, 04:58:48 PMThe guys on defence are pretty mild too.
No receiver is concerned about getting hit hard when playing the Bombers.
Think Katsantonis. We have nobody like that.
doesnt help that most of our dbs last year were undersized. As far as linebackers am hoping Knox wil bring some physicality
Quote from: Pete on April 12, 2026, 07:27:00 PMdoesnt help that most of our dbs last year were undersized. As far as linebackers am hoping Knox wil bring some physicality
We're over loaded at LB. Griffin, Woodbey, Ayers and Knox. Barring injury we can't get them all on the AR. Our DI's already include Castillo and Laval.
That leaves us 2 DI spots for LB's + 1 that would be listed as a non starter due to starting 8 Canadians.
I don't think we see Kramdi being bumped at SAM in a ratio change, but we might see Wilson bumped at WIL?
So TC will be interesting among our LB's fighting to be on the AR.
I would also say that Woodbey is by no means a lock and would put him in the camp fight category. He's gotta fend off the Canadians with draft capital and this year's Americans. It would certainly be better if we didn't have to use an American as a rotational linebacker considering all we've done to build up Canadian options recently.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 12, 2026, 09:10:34 PMI would also say that Woodbey is by no means a lock and would put him in the camp fight category. He's gotta fend off the Canadians with draft capital and this year's Americans. It would certainly be better if we didn't have to use an American as a rotational linebacker considering all we've done to build up Canadian options recently.
Agree on all points but Woodbey did seem to impress last year. He'll be on an ELC which gives him a leg up on the imports.
Obviously we'd like to see one of the Canadian LB's take a step forward. That said, the imports were getting all the reps on defence and the Canadians weren't.
So it's just a bunch of questions needing to resolved in TC. Adding Santos-Knox was a bit of a surprise considering the points / comments made.
Quote from: Pete on April 12, 2026, 07:27:00 PMdoesnt help that most of our dbs last year were undersized. As far as linebackers am hoping Knox wil bring some physicality
The idea could be Kyrie on passing downs, JSK on running/1st. We usually play different sets for these 2 options already, swapping out WILL too wouldn't be a stretch.
JSK can bring the wood.
Quote from: Tecno on April 13, 2026, 06:44:54 AMThe idea could be Kyrie on passing downs, JSK on running/1st. We usually play different sets for these 2 options already, swapping out WILL too wouldn't be a stretch.
JSK can bring the wood.
I could also see them going to 3 DL on some passing downs to get Griffen in there.
Quote from: Tecno on April 13, 2026, 06:44:54 AMThe idea could be Kyrie on passing downs, JSK on running/1st. We usually play different sets for these 2 options already, swapping out WILL too wouldn't be a stretch.
JSK can bring the wood.
I was under the impression that JSK's strength was his pass rush.
Quote from: Jesse on April 13, 2026, 05:18:27 PMI was under the impression that JSK's strength was his pass rush.
He was pretty versatile when he played beside Bighill, he's put on a lot of bulk since then which is required to play MLB, probably lost a step or two in that time as well.
Quote from: Jesse on April 13, 2026, 05:18:27 PMI was under the impression that JSK's strength was his pass rush.
It is, he's a very good blitzer who often gets home and gets a sack. We need that for sure and i thought that's why they brought him in. JSK is a physical player but he isn't a killer like Sankey or Awe.
Quote from: Jesse on April 13, 2026, 05:18:27 PMI was under the impression that JSK's strength was his pass rush.
Not anymore. You're remembering the old JSK. In 18GP in OTT last year he got 0 sacks. But 80 DT. I think he may have been the team leader in DT (or close to it).
From games I watched I recall him being a run stopping beast -- and if he bulked up, that explains that.
He also would roam the flat and sniff out the target on the short pass for some wood & disruptions.
If you're bringing the WILL blitz, TLB is right in that the bulk might negate that... WILL blitz is speed and timing, not bruising through blockers.
I think an import receiver will be hard pressed to make the AR to start the season ( barring injury ). It looks like the team is expecting to start 3 Canadian receivers.
Now this is not to say we won't find some really talented players that might be added to the 1 game IR or PR to start the season.
However there are instances where an import is just too good to keep off the game 1 day on the AR.
I hope we find a couple that fall into that category. Then it gives those players a bit longer to learn the CFL game and playbook before pushing for a starting role.
As long as the Canadian receivers are playing well and the team is winning there may not be any need to rush a rookie.
All that said, Clercius, Cobb and Corcoran all have more to prove. I'm fine if each shows more development and is used well in the offence.
The need to start 3 Canadian receivers hinges on the decision at LG from a ratio point of view or vice versa. I don't see a current opportunity to have a receiver as a DI unless Vaval is injured in TC. Even so his skill set required might be more about return ability than as a receiver.
It would be an interesting bet on the outcome of either of those situations.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 14, 2026, 03:30:40 PMI think an import receiver will be hard pressed to make the AR to start the season ( barring injury ). It looks like the team is expecting to start 3 Canadian receivers.
Now this is not to say we won't find some really talented players that might be added to the 1 game IR or PR to start the season.
However there are instances where an import is just too good to keep off the game 1 day on the AR.
I hope we find a couple that fall into that category. Then it gives those players a bit longer to learn the CFL game and playbook before pushing for a starting role.
As long as the Canadian receivers are playing well and the team is winning there may not be any need to rush a rookie.
All that said, Clercius, Cobb and Corcoran all have more to prove. I'm fine if each shows more development and is used well in the offence.
The need to start 3 Canadian receivers hinges on the decision at LG from a ratio point of view or vice versa. I don't see a current opportunity to have a receiver as a DI unless Vaval is injured in TC. Even so his skill set required might be more about return ability than as a receiver.
It would be an interesting bet on the outcome of either of those situations.
This is the year Clercius rises or falls out of favour, he can't occupy a valuable receiver spot without becoming more prominent, they need to reap more production from their 5th receiver.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 14, 2026, 05:44:40 PMThis is the year Clercius rises or falls out of favour, he can't occupy a valuable receiver spot without becoming more prominent, they need to reap more production from their 5th receiver.
I disagree. His production is completely fine from a 5th option. We need more from our top 3 guys.
Depends what you mean by "production". I don't expect him to get ten targets a game and 80 yards. I do expect that he has 1-2 clutch catches a game and does noticeably well blocking and getting open, if only to distract the opposing DBs away from the top receivers so a Pokey or Tim White can get open.
Basically, Wolitarsky in his prime would be a laudable goal to reach for.
Quote from: Jesse on April 14, 2026, 06:21:43 PMI disagree. His production is completely fine from a 5th option. We need more from our top 3 guys.
And yet he was replaced by Corcoran at the end of the season in a starting role. Sure he's a 4th or 5th look by the QB. The point is if we find a great looking rookie, Clercius not a lock either. I'm not even certain he'll be the 3 rd Canadian starter.
He's not bad but he's not a great threat either. We've usually had 3 import receivers starting. Yes there is the ratio issue in question but it's all a TBD
Having added Neild who is expected to start makes that less of an issue. It's still an issue in my mind which of the other 3 is the 5th receiver and depth on the AR.
White, Wilson and Demski are a pretty solid top 3 recieving corps, and add Nield and Clercius, we got a decent receiving corps, far better than last years group.
Quote from: blue_or_die on April 14, 2026, 06:41:36 PMDepends what you mean by "production". I don't expect him to get ten targets a game and 80 yards. I do expect that he has 1-2 clutch catches a game and does noticeably well blocking and getting open, if only to distract the opposing DBs away from the top receivers so a Pokey or Tim White can get open.
Basically, Wolitarsky in his prime would be a laudable goal to reach for.
So far Clercius hasn't come close to Woli or Bailey in terms of impact, he usually makes a 1 or 2 catches per game and rarely makes a big play or adds any YAC. Sterns was more effective and they let him walk away.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 14, 2026, 10:28:36 PMSo far Clercius hasn't come close to Woli or Bailey in terms of impact, he usually makes a 1 or 2 catches per game and rarely makes a big play or adds any YAC. Sterns was more effective and they let him walk away.
Ya, as the "placeholder NAT REC" Clercius isn't even remotely close to Woli. Woli was a legit impact player that got us actual TDs. Some really good ones. I hope he gets better, ya, but his situation must be pretty precarious right about now.
Quote from: dd on April 14, 2026, 10:17:10 PMWhite, Wilson and Demski are a pretty solid top 3 recieving corps, and add Nield and Clercius, we got a decent receiving corps, far better than last years group.
White is greater than Wheatfall. Nield should be an improvement over Sterns and creates that ratio advantage. So the group looks to have more upside.
That may free up some space for the 3rd stating Canadian and increase productivity overall. Nothing says we won't see further development from Clercius, Cobb and Corcoran.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 15, 2026, 01:38:19 PMWhite is greater than Wheatfall. Nield should be an improvement over Sterns and creates that ratio advantage.
Not sure on that... Both have been somewhat mediocre, as far as these things go. Ya, Nield had the one big playoff TD, but that's really all anyone remembers of him. Sterns was getting better, but no one thought he was Kenny or Gino.
The immediate hope will be Nield can be equal to Sterns, and that's a win because of the ratio. The future hope is he can become a Demski-level guy, but that's quite the dream at the moment.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 14, 2026, 10:28:36 PMSo far Clercius hasn't come close to Woli or Bailey in terms of impact, he usually makes a 1 or 2 catches per game and rarely makes a big play or adds any YAC. Sterns was more effective and they let him walk away.
No he's not at Woli level yet but 2 years ago he looked like he could be and maybe after his sophomore slump last year he can get back on that track.
I wouldn't classify Sterns as filling a 5th rec role and while I thought he did a fine job last year, it's not surprising we let a replaceable, American, 4th read receiver walk. Even if we weren't able to upgrade on him, which we were (on paper for now, at least).
Quote from: Tecno on April 16, 2026, 03:30:50 AMNot sure on that... Both have been somewhat mediocre, as far as these things go. Ya, Nield had the one big playoff TD, but that's really all anyone remembers of him. Sterns was getting better, but no one thought he was Kenny or Gino.
The immediate hope will be Nield can be equal to Sterns, and that's a win because of the ratio. The future hope is he can become a Demski-level guy, but that's quite the dream at the moment.
I think you're sleeping on Nield. I didn't watch him under a microscope over and over again on PVR'd games at 3 am nightly, but Rider fans hyped him hard. I think the ceiling for him is really promising.
Clercius should be developing into the tough blocking 5th NAT receiver spot.
Not sure why Cocoran was getting the extended look last year, whether Clercius was nicked, or if they just wanted to see what Cocoran could bring.
No doubt there will be one DP competing with them this year.
Adding Neild does make things interesting.
I'm betting the Ajou Ajou release makes SSK regret letting Neild get away.
Quote from: Tecno on April 16, 2026, 03:30:50 AMNot sure on that... Both have been somewhat mediocre, as far as these things go. Ya, Nield had the one big playoff TD, but that's really all anyone remembers of him. Sterns was getting better, but no one thought he was Kenny or Gino.
The immediate hope will be Nield can be equal to Sterns, and that's a win because of the ratio. The future hope is he can become a Demski-level guy, but that's quite the dream at the moment.
To me the upside of Nield is more of a Mcinnis type receiver, excellent route runner deceptive fast and good hands. Sterns type recievers are very easy to find.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 16, 2026, 06:10:34 PMClercius should be developing into the tough blocking 5th NAT receiver spot.
Not sure why Cocoran was getting the extended look last year, whether Clercius was nicked, or if they just wanted to see what Cocoran could bring.
No doubt there will be one DP competing with them this year.
Adding Neild does make things interesting.
I'm betting the Ajou Ajou release makes SSK regret letting Neild get away.
Corcoran could potentially follow Woli's trajectory if he bulks up a bit more and becomes best friends with Zach, there must be a reason he played in the ESF and Clercius didn't.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 16, 2026, 07:15:30 PMCorcoran could potentially follow Woli's trajectory if he bulks up a bit more and becomes best friends with Zach, there must be a reason he played in the ESF and Clercius didn't.
It's going to be a battle among those 3 Canadians. I'd think Corcoran might have gained an edge after replacing Clercius late last season. All that depends whether there was an injury related to that change. Cobb might have an opportunity as well.
I don't think we'll have room for all 3 on the AR. If we draft another receiver then something has to give.
If Corcoran replaces Clercius then we are doing something wrong. Corcoran is at best 3rd string backup
Quote from: Pete on April 16, 2026, 07:53:19 PMIf Corcoran replaces Clercius then we are doing something wrong. Corcoran is at best 3rd string backup
You may be right. I don't understand why he replaced Clercius as a starter at the end of the season. OTOH, he was a 2025 draft choice and may have more upside than Clercius.
Maybe we trade one of them to the Riders that now an opening for a Canadian receiver.
Quote from: Pete on April 16, 2026, 07:53:19 PMIf Corcoran replaces Clercius then we are doing something wrong. Corcoran is at best 3rd string backup
So was Woli when he first started out, it all comes down to how a player advances over his career.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 16, 2026, 09:05:48 PMSo was Woli when he first started out, it all comes down to how a player advances over his career.
Corcoran is kind of a subpar athlete though. His upside seems to be back of roster, special teams player.
Clercius has already proven capable of the job and is a much better athlete. Something happened to get Corcoran reps and it wasn't because he's the better receiver or has more upside.
If they have an issue with Clercius, they should trade him before the draft. I would think that a number of teams ie Argos Mtrl and Edm could use cdn reciever
Quote from: Pete on April 16, 2026, 10:45:24 PMIf they have an issue with Clercius, they should trade him before the draft. I would think that a number of teams ie Argos Mtrl and Edm could use cdn reciever
I don't know they have an issue. He wasn't horrible but I think his blocking may be more suspect. IIRC, Collaros dressed him down a couple of times. Perhaps doesn't follow his route and blocking aspects well. A work ethic issue possibly but he may also have just been nursing an injury.
In recent years, the term "multiple" has been used for various position groups. In the receiving corps multiple refers to receivers who can line up at more than one of the 5 receiver positions. Having receivers who are interchangeable allows the offence to show multiple looks.
Players like Demski, Schoen, Wolitarsky, Bailey and to a lesser extent Lawler were considered multiple.
For the past few seasons, the loss of players through free agency and injuries have reduced the number of multiple players the Blue Bombers can field. IMHO, it has handcuffed the Blue Bombers offence. Look at 2025 where there seemed to be a number of receivers who were limited to the 'American receiver on the line' role.
From what I heard throughout last season, Corcoran was the national receiver who could play multiple positions which made him the best choice as the backup receiver. Clercius has yet to show that he is more than one dimensional.
I'm hopeful that players like White & Nield can help the Blue Bombers produce multiple looks which can keep defences off balance.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 16, 2026, 10:49:44 PMI don't know they have an issue. He wasn't horrible but I think his blocking may be more suspect. IIRC, Collaros dressed him down a couple of times. Perhaps doesn't follow his route and blocking aspects well. A work ethic issue possibly but he may also have just been nursing an injury.
The most effective receivers have a high football IQ like Dressler and Tyler Snead, not saying Clercius doesn't have a high football IQ but not much evidence to show he does either.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 17, 2026, 12:23:50 AMThe most effective receivers have a high football IQ like Dressler and Tyler Snead, not saying Clercius doesn't have a high football IQ but not much evidence to show he does either.
Yeah but players can continue to show improvement and not everyone can do it in the 1st couple of years. Some do and some never do. So he'll have to show more IMO, but Cobb and Corcoran are not exactly setting a high bar.
Quote from: Pete on April 16, 2026, 07:53:19 PMIf Corcoran replaces Clercius then we are doing something wrong. Corcoran is at best 3rd string backup
Corcoran made a couple of grabs last year that had me screaming "sweet hands". Like top-line bad-throw very-short-range no-time-to-think high-velocity snags that should have been whiffs. They were something to behold.
Clercius has never shown to have any hands at all. Maybe this is what MOS & crew saw when they changed the AR.
Plus, Zach & Hogan whinged many times last year about guys all not being in the right place doing the right things. We still aren't sure who that is, but it easily could have been Clercius. Being "that wrong place" guy will get you in the dog house in WFC pretty darn fast!!
I'm actually pretty excited about Corcoran. Clercius to me is, at best, "will be a very good blocker" player. Important, maybe. Exciting, no.
Quote from: Tecno on April 17, 2026, 05:27:37 AMCorcoran made a couple of grabs last year that had me screaming "sweet hands". Like top-line bad-throw very-short-range no-time-to-think high-velocity snags that should have been whiffs. They were something to behold.
Clercius has never shown to have any hands at all. Maybe this is what MOS & crew saw when they changed the AR.
Plus, Zach & Hogan whinged many times last year about guys all not being in the right place doing the right things. We still aren't sure who that is, but it easily could have been Clercius. Being "that wrong place" guy will get you in the dog house in WFC pretty darn fast!!
I'm actually pretty excited about Corcoran. Clercius to me is, at best, "will be a very good blocker" player. Important, maybe. Exciting, no.
Clercius has made a few Lawler-esque catches, falling away over the head grabs.
His first season saw few targets, but most were completed. 32/40 for 352yds, with 114 YAC and a TD. IIRC, he caught the all but 2 of the first 16 throws sent his way.
Second season was 40/57 for 411 with 111 YAC, no TD's. With him not starting the back half of the season, 9 targets in the last 7 games.
What changed during the off season? Hogan. Was Clercius a victim of the bad OC playcalling? Was Hogan's playbook not conducive to Clercius' play? Will Condell find a better use for him this year?
I guess we will see in camp. There is no debating he showed he had the ability to get open and catch as a rookie under Buck. Maybe it was just the sophomore jinx.
Quote from: Tecno on April 17, 2026, 05:27:37 AMCorcoran made a couple of grabs last year that had me screaming "sweet hands". Like top-line bad-throw very-short-range no-time-to-think high-velocity snags that should have been whiffs. They were something to behold.
Clercius has never shown to have any hands at all. Maybe this is what MOS & crew saw when they changed the AR.
Plus, Zach & Hogan whinged many times last year about guys all not being in the right place doing the right things. We still aren't sure who that is, but it easily could have been Clercius. Being "that wrong place" guy will get you in the dog house in WFC pretty darn fast!!
I'm actually pretty excited about Corcoran. Clercius to me is, at best, "will be a very good blocker" player. Important, maybe. Exciting, no.
yeah if you look at 2024 highlights makes you wonder what happened in 2025. as Aardvark mentioned the biggest difference was Hogan, which likely led to frustrations that he may not have handled as well as he could have. But his upside is miles ahead of Corcoran and Cobb.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 04:33:42 PMClercius has made a few Lawler-esque catches, falling away over the head grabs.
His first season saw few targets, but most were completed. 32/40 for 352yds, with 114 YAC and a TD. IIRC, he caught the all but 2 of the first 16 throws sent his way.
Second season was 40/57 for 411 with 111 YAC, no TD's. With him not starting the back half of the season, 9 targets in the last 7 games.
What changed during the off season? Hogan. Was Clercius a victim of the bad OC playcalling? Was Hogan's playbook not conducive to Clercius' play? Will Condell find a better use for him this year?
I guess we will see in camp. There is no debating he showed he had the ability to get open and catch as a rookie under Buck. Maybe it was just the sophomore jinx.
I bet 9 of 10 catches were standing still on the sidelines and getting knocked out of bounds. I remember he made a spectacular catch with one hand but I've never seen him do anything with the ball after he's caught it.
Quote from: Tecno on April 17, 2026, 05:27:37 AMCorcoran made a couple of grabs last year that had me screaming "sweet hands". Like top-line bad-throw very-short-range no-time-to-think high-velocity snags that should have been whiffs. They were something to behold.
Clercius has never shown to have any hands at all. Maybe this is what MOS & crew saw when they changed the AR.
Plus, Zach & Hogan whinged many times last year about guys all not being in the right place doing the right things. We still aren't sure who that is, but it easily could have been Clercius. Being "that wrong place" guy will get you in the dog house in WFC pretty darn fast!!
Both Clercius and Wheatfall suffered the lash of Zach's tongue in public.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 17, 2026, 07:19:44 PMI bet 9 of 10 catches were standing still on the sidelines and getting knocked out of bounds. I remember he made a spectacular catch with one hand but I've never seen him do anything with the ball after he's caught it.
352 total yards, 114 YAC. Literally 1/3 of his yards came after the catch.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 07:23:29 PM352 total yards, 114 YAC. Literally 1/3 of his yards came after the catch.
Bring up his highlight reel, I musta missed them.
He averages 10 yards a catch. I think most of his receptions are when is open at around 7-8 yards and falls/bulls forward for a few more. He's not a make guys miss kind of guy.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 04:33:42 PMI guess we will see in camp. There is no debating he showed he had the ability to get open and catch as a rookie under Buck. Maybe it was just the sophomore jinx.
People keep saying this... but isn't year 2 the year these NAT DPs are supposed to "break out"? A mediocre NAT REC has a limited time to prove himself...
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 07:23:29 PM352 total yards, 114 YAC. Literally 1/3 of his yards came after the catch.
Ya, but wasn't he used as a screen target and wide-out-near-LOS-at-the-rail "wide open" guy? Easy to get 5-7 YAC on every one of those. Especially when you're the guy the D ignored because they were dealing with the "real" threats.
Quote from: Tecno on April 18, 2026, 04:19:50 AMYa, but wasn't he used as a screen target and wide-out-near-LOS-at-the-rail "wide open" guy? Easy to get 5-7 YAC on every one of those. Especially when you're the guy the D ignored because they were dealing with the "real" threats.
A telling factor is he has only 1 TD in 2 full seasons, as the mostly ignored receiver he should have more TD's on stealth alone. He replaced Woli who made his mark more than anywhere finding open space in the endzone.
An obvious advantage Woli had was he was a sociable individual who developed a great working relationship with his QB, perhaps this is a skill Clercius lacks confidence in acquiring. I don't think I've ever seen him interviewed by anyone.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 18, 2026, 04:32:40 PMA telling factor is he has only 1 TD in 2 full seasons, as the mostly ignored receiver he should have more TD's on stealth alone. He replaced Woli who made his mark more than anywhere finding open space in the endzone.
An obvious advantage Woli had was he was a sociable individual who developed a great working relationship with his QB, perhaps this is a skill Clercius lacks confidence in acquiring. I don't think I've ever seen him interviewed by anyone.
Woli had one or less TDs in 4 of his 7 seasons.
Quote from: Jesse on April 18, 2026, 05:03:17 PMWoli had one or less TDs in 4 of his 7 seasons.
Talk about misdirection by stats. I would point out the reality except the cfl stats seem to be down again today (argh!!).
He had a string of many-TD seasons during his heyday. His early and late seasons shouldn't really count against him. He was far and above what our usual JFG/Clercius types produced.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 18, 2026, 04:32:40 PMClercius lacks confidence in acquiring. I don't think I've ever seen him interviewed by anyone.
I don't disagree with your other points, but to be fair to Clercius, it's the media that decides who they want to interview. And normally the choice is "who is making an impact this/last game". It just so happens the answer to that has never been "Clercius".
Quote from: Tecno on April 19, 2026, 02:15:36 AMTalk about misdirection by stats. I would point out the reality except the cfl stats seem to be down again today (argh!!).
He had a string of many-TD seasons during his heyday. His early and late seasons shouldn't really count against him. He was far and above what our usual JFG/Clercius types produced.
Well Clercius only has early seasons. You need to compare Wol's heyday to Clercius' rookie and sophomore seasons?
But Woli played for 9 years. His first season he caught one pass. He lost 2020 to COVID, and never ended up doing anything with Hammy. So that's 6 seasons in his prime. He was held to 1 or less TDs in 3 of those seasons. In the remaining 3, he had seasons of 4, 5, and 6 TDs.
Quote from: Jesse on April 19, 2026, 06:11:07 AMWell Clercius only has early seasons. You need to compare Wol's heyday to Clercius' rookie and sophomore seasons?
Fair cop.
Quote from: Jesse on April 19, 2026, 06:11:07 AMBut Woli played for 9 years. His first season he caught one pass. He lost 2020 to COVID, and never ended up doing anything with Hammy. So that's 6 seasons in his prime. He was held to 1 or less TDs in 3 of those seasons. In the remaining 3, he had seasons of 4, 5, and 6 TDs.
You really need to compare seasons where they were the starter, though. Clercius has started for 2 whole seasons? I'm sure by Woli's 2nd full-starting season he was already into the 4,5,6 TD range.
Maybe a better stat would be TDs-per-start as that backs out injuries, covid, PR years, and ST-only years.
I dunno... add in the fact that I think many of us have the feeling Clercius doesn't "have it". Woli "had it". I'd love to be wrong. But at the moment I think the heat is on big-body Clercius with the signing of huge-money big-body Nield, and the obvious snub he Clercius took late last season...
Of course, in the spirit of candor, Woli was really a fake-IMP, having nothing to do with Canada until they found his magic passport. Then again, those are often the best types of NATs! ;)
Quote from: Tecno on April 19, 2026, 07:42:40 AMFair cop.
You really need to compare seasons where they were the starter, though. Clercius has started for 2 whole seasons? I'm sure by Woli's 2nd full-starting season he was already into the 4,5,6 TD range.
Maybe a better stat would be TDs-per-start as that backs out injuries, covid, PR years, and ST-only years.
I dunno... add in the fact that I think many of us have the feeling Clercius doesn't "have it". Woli "had it". I'd love to be wrong. But at the moment I think the heat is on big-body Clercius with the signing of huge-money big-body Nield, and the obvious snub he Clercius took late last season...
Of course, in the spirit of candor, Woli was really a fake-IMP, having nothing to do with Canada until they found his magic passport. Then again, those are often the best types of NATs! ;)
Woli was a very good blocker and Clercius is not there yet. I can't say whether he's improving or not but those that go to practice might have a better idea of that.
Quote from: Tecno on April 19, 2026, 07:42:40 AMFair cop.
You really need to compare seasons where they were the starter, though. Clercius has started for 2 whole seasons? I'm sure by Woli's 2nd full-starting season he was already into the 4,5,6 TD range.
Maybe a better stat would be TDs-per-start as that backs out injuries, covid, PR years, and ST-only years.
I dunno... add in the fact that I think many of us have the feeling Clercius doesn't "have it". Woli "had it". I'd love to be wrong. But at the moment I think the heat is on big-body Clercius with the signing of huge-money big-body Nield, and the obvious snub he Clercius took late last season...
Of course, in the spirit of candor, Woli was really a fake-IMP, having nothing to do with Canada until they found his magic passport. Then again, those are often the best types of NATs! ;)
Woli was a starter in his 2nd year and his career was a mixed bag when it came to TDs. He had a couple with 4+ then a couple with only 1.
Woli was great, but I just don't think he was as consistent a TD scorer as you're remembering, and TDs was the metric with which you were judging Clercius. Woli would have years where he was made part of the endzone plan and years where he wasn't. He was also here for Zach's peak of 35+ TDs a year while Clercius has been here for Zach's >20 TD seasons. We can argue chicken and egg of that correlation, lol.
Quote from: Jesse on April 19, 2026, 02:51:32 PMWoli was a starter in his 2nd year and his career was a mixed bag when it came to TDs. He had a couple with 4+ then a couple with only 1.
Woli was great, but I just don't think he was as consistent a TD scorer as you're remembering, and TDs was the metric with which you were judging Clercius. Woli would have years where he was made part of the endzone plan and years where he wasn't. He was also here for Zach's peak of 35+ TDs a year while Clercius has been here for Zach's >20 TD seasons. We can argue chicken and egg of that correlation, lol.
Now that's an interesting stat, combined with Zach's higher interception rate the last 3 seasons they need much better performance if they expect to be competitive this season. That said, TD count is often skewed by how effective the SY team is, Brady would have double the TD count playing on some other teams.
Im still high on clercius, Comparison to Woli isn't cut and dry for example how many tds did he get from his buddy Strev whose familiarity made him look for Woli? Also Zac had developed a high degree of trust in Woli as an out
Playing under Hogan has slso been mentioned as a factor.
It wouldn't surprise me to see him flourish if we end up losing him to another team.
Quote from: Pete on April 19, 2026, 03:43:01 PMIm still high on clercius, Comparison to Woli isn't cut and dry for example how many tds did he get from his buddy Strev whose familiarity made him look for Woli? Also Zac had developed a high degree of trust in Woli as an out
Playing under Hogan has slso been mentioned as a factor.
It wouldn't surprise me to see him flourish if we end up losing him to another team.
Should be interesting, still not convinced they will start 3 Natl. receivers but Clercius needs to have his break out season and he better unveil it early on or he will be rendered a back bencher by mid-season.
If we draft a receiver, I hope he's able to participate on ST's at the very least. Otherwise it will be difficult to make the AR.
In a perfect world a receiver that could see some duty as a back up returner would be nice. The usual alternative is a starter and that becomes a dual duty injury risk.
Whether we do or don't start 3 Canadians is already a fight for a starter and a back up on the AR.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 19, 2026, 04:15:31 PMIf we draft a receiver, I hope he's able to participate on ST's at the very least. Otherwise it will be difficult to make the AR.
Now that you mention it, I think we missed JA27 a bit. He was always out there on teams. Weird, but I don't really recall seeing Peterson doing the same? Surely he's out there on teams... but as much as JA?
Does Clercius play teams? I know Chris-Ike does...
Quote from: theaardvark on April 20, 2026, 02:24:20 AMDoes Clercius play teams? I know Chris-Ike does...
No he doesn't