Blue Bombers roster - 2022-2023

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BLUE BOMBERS SIGN KICKER SERGIO CASTILLO

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the signing of veteran kicker Sergio Castillo to a one-year contract.

Castillo (5-11, 196, West Texas A&M; born: November 1, 1990, in La Joya, TX) returns to the Blue Bombers for a third stint after beginning his CFL career in Winnipeg in 2015 and then returning late in 2021 at the trade deadline before playing an instrumental role in the club's second of back-to-back Grey Cup Championships.

Castillo has appeared in 59 CFL games over six seasons with the Blue Bombers (2015), Ottawa RedBlacks (2016), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2017), B.C. Lions (2019), Blue Bombers (2021) and Elks (2022). He was also in training camp with the Tennessee Titans in 2021 after playing in seven games with the New York Jets in 2020.

Castillo holds a career field goal percentage of 85.5 in the CFL, having made 124 of his 145 attempts, and has a career convert percentage of 90.4. Castillo went 37-of-44 (84.1 percent) in field goal attempts with the Elks last year while connecting on 26-of-29 (89.7) of his convert attempts.

He was named CFL All-Star in 2019 with the Lions after connecting on 41-of-45 field goal attempts (91.1 percent), including five field goals covering 50 yards or longer.

Castillo was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014, but made his professional debut with the Bombers in October of 2015, making all five of his field goal attempts. He finished that year going 10-of-13 for the club before Justin Medlock was signed in free agency in 2016.

In 2017 he suffered a season-ending knee injury while with Hamilton and did not kick again in a game in 2018. He has also had stints with the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football and the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/04/blue-bombers-sign-kicker-sergio-castillo/

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Transactions:

2023-05-04   WPG   SCHMITZ, Karl   P   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-04   WPG   TYRELL, Mekhi      N      Add To   Territorial Exemption
2023-05-04   WPG   GASKIN, Keyshawn      N      Add To   Territorial Exemption
2023-05-04   WPG   KAMENZ, Brandon      N      Add To   Territorial Exemption
2023-05-04   WPG   FUNK-CLEMENTS, Joseph   DB   N   Winnipeg Rifles Jr.   Add To   Territorial Exemption

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BLUE BOMBERS SIGN FIVE 2023 DRAFT CHOICES

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announce the signing of five 2023 Draft selections: defensive lineman Anthony Bennett (8th overall), defensive back Jake Kelly (15th overall), receiver Jeremy Murphy (26th overall), defensive back Bret MacDougall (53rd overall) and linebacker Max Charbonneau (71st overall).

Bennett (6-3, 230, University of Regina; born: October 4, 1996, in Weston, FL) was named a first-team All-Canadian and a Canada West all-star after setting a school single-season record with eight sacks with the Regina Rams in his senior year.  He tied a school record for most tackles for loss in a single season (10.5) and started all eight Canada West games at defensive end, finishing the year with 25.5 tackles (19 solo, 13 assisted). In 2021, Bennett finished fourth on the team and led all Rams defensive linemen in tackles (17 solo, 8 assisted) while tying for the team lead with 7 1/2 tackles for loss, adding two sacks. Prior to joining the Rams, Bennett spent the 2015-2019 seasons with Florida Atlantic University.

Kelly (6-0, 180, Bishop's University; born: April 1, 1999, in Markham, ON) was named the Brian Morely Defensive Player of the Year last season and an Academic All-Canadian in 2021 with the Bishop's University Gaiters. He played in eight games for the Gaiters in 2022-23, recording two interceptions (one for a touchdown), one forced fumble and 24 total tackles (19 solo and 5 assisted). Kelly played in seven games in 2020-21, totalling 29 tackles (24 solo, 5 assisted) and one interception.

Murphy (6-2, 195, Concordia University; born: May 14, 1999, in St. Bruno, QC) was named to the U Sports First All-Canadian team in 2022, his second national award. The pandemic derailed his sophomore season and in 2021, Murphy tore his hamstring, ending his season. But he returned in 2022, posting career numbers: He recorded 29 receptions for 589 yards and two touchdowns in seven games and averaged 20.3 yards a catch, leading the Quebec conference. In January, Murphy also attended the 2023 College Gridiron Showcase in Texas.

MacDougall (6-3, 205, University of Windsor; born: June 25, 2001, in LaSalle, ON) was named a 2022 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and participated in the 2022 East-West Bowl last season after recording 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two interceptions and three pass breakups in his third season with the Lancers. He appeared in six games in 2021, making 15 tackles (9 solo, 12 assists) and dressed for three games in 2019 but did not record any stats.

Charbonneau (6-3, 225, University of Ottawa; born: August 19, 1999, in Ottawa, ON) played four seasons with the GeeGees, seeing action in 28 games and recording 53.5 total tackles (38 solo, 31 assisted). His 2022 season was his best as he appeared in six regular season games at middle linebacker, recording 17 total tackles (9 solo, 16 assisted) and adding one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and a blocked kick. In his two playoff starts in 2022, Charbonneau tallied 10.5 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/05/blue-bombers-sign-five-2023-draft-choices/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW #1: THE SPECIALISTS

THE SPECIALISTS
The Returnees:

Placekicker/punter: Marc Liegghio*
Long-snapper: Mike Benson*
Punt returns: Janarion Grant
Kickoff returns: Janarion Grant

The New Faces

Placekicker: Sergio Castillo (returning for third stint with the team), Chandler Staton, Marc Orozco
Punter: Devin Anctil, Chris MacLean*
Returner: Various candidates to be determined during camp

*Indicates: Canadian

Keep an eye on: K Marc Orozco
He had a solid career at Grambling State, where he connected on 78.6 per cent of his field goals before starring in the National Arena League. He is apparently capable of handling all three kicking chores, just as Liegghio did last year.

That is what will now be the intriguing story within the placekicking battle in camp - will the club lean to having just one kicker handle all three chores, or use two spots to get the best placekicker and punter on the roster?

Did you know?
The Blue Bombers have been the least-penalized team on specials over in each of the last three years. They were first in 2019 with 30 infractions on special teams; first in 2021 with 19 and first last season with just 14 - 20 fewer than the next lowest teams (Hamilton, Montreal and Saskatchewan were all at 34).

Notable Number: 7
Janarion Grant has seven kick-return touchdowns in just 33 games with the Blue Bombers dating back to 2019 and is already the franchise's all-time kick return touchdown leader, with seven and counting. That includes six punt returns and one on a kickoff.

His total is nine all-time, if his punt return touchdowns in the Western Final and Grey Cup from last year are included.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/04/positional-preview-1-the-specialists/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW #2 - THE DBS

The Returnees:

Safeties: Brandon Alexander, Nick Hallett*, Souleymane Karamoko (G)
Halfbacks: Deatrick Nichols, Jamal Parker, Evan Holm
Cornerbacks: Winston Rose, Desmond Lawrence, Demerio Houston
Dime: Alden Darby, Jr., Redha Kramdi*, Cedrick Lavigne*
Injured: Noah Hallett*
Newcomers: Will Allen, Jr., Charles-Antoine Beaulieu*, Jordan Brown, Abu Daramy-Swaray, Karon Delince, Jordan Veltri*, Deuce Wallace
Departed: Tyrell Ford* (signed with Green Bay Packers; rights remain with Wpg if he returns to the CFL), Donald Rutledge, Jr., Nick Taylor, Malcolm Thompson*, Patrice Rene*, Tyquwan Glass
CFL 2023 Draft picks: Jake Kelly (second round, 15th overall); Bret MacDougall (sixth round, 53rd overall)

*Indicates Canadian; (G) - Global player

Keep an eye on: CB Desmond Lawrence
He arrived last October after being dumped by Hamilton, but found a home on the CFL's stingiest defence, starting three games - his debut coming October 15th in Vancouver, followed by starts in both the Western Final and Grey Cup.

He's got good size at 6-1 and 215 and somehow fell out of favour with the Ticats last season, less than a year after being named the club's Most Outstanding Rookie. Having the benefit of a full training camp and more help from coaches like Hall and Younger could be massive for Lawrence in Winnipeg.

Did you know?
Rod Hill (1988-92) holds the club record for career interceptions with 47, followed by Norm Rauhaus (1956-67) with 34 and Gord Rowland (1954-63) with 31. All three are members of the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame.

Notable Number: 48
The Blue Bombers defence of 1990 set a CFL record that still stands with 48 interceptions as a team that year. The highest total last year was 29, by Toronto.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/05/positional-preview-2-the-dbs/

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Transactions:

2023-05-05   WPG   CASTILLO, Sergio   K   A   West Texas A&M   Add To   Active Roster
2023-05-05   WPG   WADE, Barrington   LB   A   Iowa   Add To   Active Roster

Barrington was one of the negotiation list players the Bombers disclosed back in December:

https://www.cfl.ca/2022/12/14/cfl-reveals-updated-negotiation-lists-for-each-team/

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CFL QB INTERNSHIP WELCOMES NINE PIVOTS INTO CAMPS

TORONTO - Nine quarterbacks from across the country are set to hone their skills alongside their professional counterparts as part of the 2023 CFL QB Internship. CFL rookie camps open May 10 with training camps set to kick off May 14.

The program, which welcomed its first class in 2010, provides an opportunity for promising young pivots playing in Canada to develop their skills, participate in practices, attend team and positional meetings with CFL clubs, as they continue their journeys through amateur football.

WINNIPEG | ARNAUD DESJARDINS | LAVAL UNIVERSITY | MONTREAL (hometown)

2022 Vanier Cup champion

Led U SPORTS in passing touchdowns (20) and completion percentage (73.0)

Six 300+ passing yard games last season

Second in U SPORTS with 2,555 passing yards

2022 First-Team All-Canadian, RSEQ All-Star

2023 CFL Combine participant as an underclassmen
https://www.cfl.ca/2023/05/05/cfl-qb-internship-welcomes-nine-pivots-into-camps/

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BLUE BOMBERS ADD EIGHT TO ROSTER

The Blue Bombers today announce the signing of American quarterbacks Cooper Callis and Josh Jones, American linebackers Christian Dixon and Barrington Wade, American defensive end Jadrian Taylor, and three 2023 CFL Draft choices; defensive lineman Tanner Schmekel (35th overall), running back Jonathan Rosery (62nd overall) and defensive lineman Collin Kornelson (44th overall).

Callis (6-3, 215; Southwest Baptist University; born: June 8, 1999 in Jackson, MO.) played in 25 games from 2020-22 with the Bearcats, completing 68.2 percent of his passes for 7,712 yards and 73 touchdowns against 22 interceptions while rushing for 407 yards and five more scores. He began his collegiate career at Fullerton College of the California Community College Athletic Association.

Jones (6-3, 220; University of North Carolina at Pembroke; born: June 6, 2000 in Wilmington, N.C.) comes to the Blue Bombers after a collegiate career with the UNCP Braves (2018-22) that saw him suit up for 46 games as a five-year starter and four-year captain. Jones threw for 2,302 yards and 13 touchdowns last year for the Braves while rushing for 219 yards and two more scores. Over his collegiate career he threw for 10,148 yards and 70 touchdowns while rushing for 10 more.

Dixon (6-0, 220; Middle Tennessee State: born: in Charlotte, NC) spent his collegiate days at Middle Tennessee State as a redshirt senior in 2022 after previously playing at Towson State University (2017-21). Dixon had 46 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last year at Middle Tennessee. In 2021 at Towson State he was named All-CAA Third Team linebacker after finishing with 73 total tackles and tying for the team lead with four sacks.

Wade (6-1, 210; University of Iowa; born: March 16, 1998 in Skokie, IL.) played in 33 games over 3 seasons (2018-21) with the Hawkeyes posting 23 tackles, 1 sack and 2 interceptions. Wade was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2021, and was later claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos. The linebacker played in four NFL games and had one tackle and one assist before joining the Bombers this season.

Taylor (6-1, 246; University of Texas at El Paso; born: February 9, 1999 in Lufkin, TX.) began his collegiate career with Kilgore College (2018-19) where the defensive end had 53 tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles across 21 games. He then transferred to UTEP (2020-22), where he finished with 81 tackles, 19.5 tackle-for-losses, 16 sacks, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble return for a touchdown over 32 games. Taylor was an Honourable Mention All-Conference USA in 2021 after a stellar campaign with 33 tackles 6.5 sacks, and a pass breakup in 13 games.

Schmekel (6-2, 300, University of Regina; born: July 22, 1999, in Regina, SK) was a 2022 U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star. The defensive lineman started all eight Canada West games at defensive tackle in 2022, registering six tackles for loss including a pair of sacks during conference play. The three-time University of Regina Defensive Lineman of the Year finished the season with a total of 14 tackles (11 solo, 6 assisted) and a pass breakup. Schmekel redshirted with the Rams in 2017 before starting all eight games in 2018 and leading the team's linemen in tackles, finishing with 16 1/2 and adding 1 1/2 tackles for loss. He then played for the Regina Thunder (CJFL) in 2019 before returning to the Rams in 2021.

Rosery (5-9, 193, University of Alberta; born: January 16, 2000, in Edmonton, AB) was named a 2022 Canada West All-Star after amassing 536 yards on 29 receptions for two touchdowns and adding 160 more along the ground last season. In his four seasons with the Golden Bears, Rosery totalled 75 receptions for 1,151 yards and six touchdowns while adding 564 rushing yards and another score.

Kornelson (6-3, 240, University of Manitoba; born: February 14, 2000, in Winnipeg, MB) stays home, moving down the hall from his University of Manitoba locker where he was team captain in 2022. After playing his minor football for the Valour Patriots and then the St. Paul?s Crusaders, Kornelson joined the Bisons in 2019. In six games in 2021, he recorded 18.5 tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. He built on his totals in 2022, playing in all eight games and registered 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/07/blue-bombers-add-eight-to-roster/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW - THE LINEBACKERS

The Returnees:

Middle: Adam Bighill, Shayne Gauthier*, Les Maruo (G); Brian Cole,
Weak side: Kyrie Wlson, Malik Clements, Tanner Cadwallader*, DeJaun Cooper, Robbie Lowes* (missed last year due to injury)
Newcomers: Still TBD
Departed: None
CFL 2023 Draft picks: Max Charbonneau* (eighth round, 71st overall)

*Indicates Canadian; (G) - Global player

Keep an eye on: Brian Cole
Added to the practice roster in early summer after a stint in Edmonton, it wasn't long before Cole made an impression with his work on special teams. A former star at Mississippi State and a seventh-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, he has also had NFL looks from Miami and Carolina. He's now got some CFL experience to his name and, like so many others entering their second year in the Canadian game, could be ready to take that proverbial next step.

Did you know?
Dating back to 1955 and the inception of the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award, seven Blue Bombers players have combined to capture the honour nine times.

They are: Bighill, as mentioned above, in 2018 and 2021, Willie Jefferson in 2019, Jovon Johnson in 2011, Greg Battle in 1990 and 1991, Tyrone Jones in 1985, Frank Rigney in 1961 and Herb Gray in 1960.

Notable Number: 817
Career tackle total for Adam Bighill. That ranks him seventh on the CFL's all-time list, just 16 behind Solomon Elimimian in sixth place. Barrin Simpson is fifth at 955 and Chip Cox is fourth at 979. The top three are Willie Pless (1,241), Mike O'Shea (1,151) and Alondra Johnson (1,095).

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/06/positional-preview-3-the-linebackers/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW - DEFENSIVE LINE

A LOOK AT THE DEFENSIVE LINE
The Returnees: DE Willie Jefferson, Jackson Jeffcoat; DT: Jake Thomas*, Cam Lawson*, Ricky Walker, Thiadric Hansen (G), DeJaun Cooper, Cole Adamson* (a defensive tackle at Manitoba, he is being shifted to OL for camp, but could move back to the D-line).
Departed: DT Casey Sayles (Hamilton, free agency); DE Cedric Wilcots (Hamilton, trade last October for Alden Darby, Jr.); Keion Adams (unsigned free agent).
2023 CFL Draft picks: Anthony Bennett (1st round, 8th overall); Tanner Schmekel (4th round, 35th overall); Collin Kornelson (5th round 44th overall)
CFL newcomers: Joe Beckett, Nate Givhan, Aaron Sterling, O'Bryan Goodson.

Keep an eye on: Aaron Sterling
The Blue Bombers signed Sterling in March and the University of South Carolina edge rusher is an intriguing prospect. He's battled injuries but brings an element of toughness that could make him a key fit in the D-line.

Read more about Sterling here in Blue Bomber scout Cyril Penn's Tales from the Scouting Trail piece. https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/03/28/tales-from-the-scouting-trail-aaron-sterling/

Did you know?
The last Blue Bombers player to lead the CFL in sacks was Phillip Hunt, with 16 back in 2010.

Notable Number: 75
The Blue Bombers club record for sacks in a season is 75, set in 1984 (the stat was first tracked by the CFL in 1980). That year Tyrone Jones led the club record with 20.5 sacks (back when the league used half sacks), which was a club record before Elfrid Payton had 22 in 1993).

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/07/positional-preview-4-defensive-line/

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BLUE BOMBERS ADD FIVE TO ROSTER

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce signing of four American players in quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome, receivers Otis Lanier and Matt Cole and defensive end/long-snapper Damian Jackson, as well as National receiver Michael O'Shea.

Pigrome (5-10, 200; Towson State; born: October 22, 1997, in Birmingham, AL.) comes to the Blue Bombers after a collegiate career spent at the University of Maryland (2016-19), Western Kentucky University (2020) and most recently with Towson State (2022). He spent the 2021 season at Ole Miss but did not play. Pigrome threw for 1,638 yards and 14 touchdowns with the Tigers last year, rushing for an additional 574 yards and two more TDs. He was the 2015 Gatorade High School Player of the Year in Alabama while at Clay-Chalkville High.

Lanier (5-10, 185; Howard Payne University; born: October 7, 1997, in Houston, Tex.) spent the last two seasons with the Yellow Jackets. Last year he had 66 receptions for 955 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the American Southwest Conference in receiving yards, receptions per game and all-purpose yards. He also nine punt returns for 166 yards and one TD and was a First Team All-ASC selection. He had 46 receptions for 807 yards and nine TDs in 2021.

Cole (5-10, 197; McKendree University; born: November 7, 1996, in Chicago, IL.) arrives in Winnipeg after spending last year on the practice roster of the Washington Commanders. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2020, he would later make his NFL debut later that season after being picked up by the San Francisco 49ers, making two tackles on special teams. Cole has also had stints with the New York Jets and Giants, the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks

Jackson (6-2, 263; University of Buffalo; born July 22, 1992, in Las Vegas, NV) appeared in 13 games last year for the Bulls, including making nine starts at defensive end while handling the long-snapping chores. He had 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He transferred from Nebraska, where he spent five seasons after initially walking on with the Cornhuskers. He was a member of the Navy SEALS for four years and was the 2021-Armed Forces Merit Award Winner.

O'Shea (6-0, 183; Okanagan Sun; born: March 9, 2000 in Mississauga, ON) joins the Blue Bombers after two solid years with the Sun in the British Columbia Football Conference, including helping lead the squad to a 21-19 win over the Regina Thunder in the national championship last fall - a game in which he caught a touchdown pass and also had seven returns for 108 yards, earning him the Special Teams Player of the Game award. O'Shea had 28 receptions for 483 yards and eight touchdowns last season, adding another seven catches for 164 yards and a TD in the playoffs. In his first year with Okanagan, he had 27 catches for 654 yards and 11 TDs. He is also an exceptional kick returner, having taken five punt returns back for touchdowns in his two years with the Sun while averaging 25.9 yards per kickoff return last season. Those numbers earned him a spot on the Canadian Junior Football League First-Team All-Canadian squad. In 2021 he was a CJFL First-Team All-Canadian as a receiver. He is the son of Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/08/blue-bombers-add-five-to-roster/

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Transactions:

2023-05-08   WPG   O'SHEA JR, Michael   WR   N   Okanagan Sun   Add To   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   KORNELSON, Collin   DL   N   Manitoba   Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   JACKSON, Damian   LS   A   Buffalo   Add To   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   PIGROME, Tyrrell   QB   A   Towson University   Add To   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   LANIER, Otis   WR   A   Howard Payne   Add To   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   SCHMEKEL, Tanner   DL   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   ROSERY, Jonathan   WR   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   MURPHY, Jeremy   WR   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   MACDOUGALL, Breton   DB   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   KELLY, Jake   DB   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   CHARBONNEAU, Max   LB   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   BENNETT, Anthony   DL   N      Add From Draft   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   JONES, Josh   QB   A      Add To   Active Roster
2023-05-08   WPG   CALLIS, Cooper   QB   A   Southwest Baptist   Add To   Active Roster

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW - OFFENSIVE LINE

The Returnees:
Starters: LT Stanley Bryant, LG Geoff Gray*, C Chris Kolankowski*, RG Pat Neufeld*, RT Jermarcus Hardrick
Returning vets: Liam Dobson*, Tui Eli*, Tomoya Machino (G), Drew Richmond
Departed: C Michael Couture* (B.C.)
2023 CFL Draft picks: None
CFL newcomers: Cole Adamson* (attended camp last year as a DL before returning to the U of M), Kelvin Ateman, Jr.; Chris Ivy, Tyler Grisolia*, Payton Muljo, Brandon Sanford*

Keep an eye on: Tui Eli
The big University of Hawaii product was drafted in the fourth round in 2019 and in 2021 suited up for 14 games, including four starts. He sat out last season was brought back in January with a new three-year contract.

His skillset is there to start at any of the three inside positions along the line, but there will be eyeballs on him as soon as camp opens regarding his strength and conditioning levels.

Did you know?
The Blue Bombers did not select an offensive lineman in the two most-recent CFL Drafts - a first for the club since 2001-02. That decision was made partly because the position wasn't as a high priority with the current collection of Canadian talent and also because of a relatively thin draft class at that position. The move of Adamson from D-line to O-line was also a factor.

Dating back to 1963 the Blue Bombers have not selected an O-lineman with any of their picks in 18 different draft classes.

Notable Number: 80
The Blue Bombers have surrendered 80 sacks over the last three seasons, including 29 last year. That total is second fewest only to Calgary, which has given up 71 over that same span.
Just by comparison, the 2015 Blue Bombers surrendered 71 sacks and the Saskatchewan Roughriders gave up 77 sacks alone last season.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/08/positional-preview-5-offensive-line/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW - THE RUNNING BACKS

The Returnees: RB Brady Oliveira*, RB Johnny Augustine*, Greg McCrae, FB Mike Miller*, Konner Burtenshaw*
Departed: None
2023 CFL Draft picks: Jonathan Rosery* (7th round, 62nd overall)
CFL newcomers: Ta'Zhawn Henry,

Keep an eye on: Greg McCrae
McCrae offers an enticing skillset, having racked up 21 carries for 164 yards last year (a 7.8-yard average) while pulling in 16 receptions for 164 yards and a TD. Finding him a roster spot, let alone touches in the offence, will be a challenge for the coaching staff. But McCrae has proven worthy.

Did you know?
A Blue Bombers player has led the league in rushing 17 times dating back to 1950. That's tied for most over that span with Calgary. The Blue Bombers who have won rushing titles include Tom Casey (1950), Mack Herron (1972), Jim Washington (1976), Willard Reaves (1984-85, 1987), Robert Mimbs (1990-91), Michael Richardson (1992-93), Charles Roberts (2003, 2005-06), Fred Reid (2010) and Andrew Harris (2017-19)

Notable Number: 113.5
The Blue Bombers averaged 113.5 yards rushing per game last year, second only to Calgary's 135.3.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/09/positional-preview-6-the-running-backs/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW - THE RECEIVERS

The Returnees:
Starters from 2022: Dalton Schoen, Nic Demski*, Drew Wolitarsky*, Rasheed Bailey
Also: Janarion Grant, Brendan O'Leary-Orange*, Carlton Agudosi, Greg McCrae (also listed at RB), Tavaris Harrison, Jaivon Heiligh (PR last year), Timothy Knuettel (Global, on PR last year)
CFL free-agent additions: Kenny Lawler (Edmonton)
Departed: Greg Ellingson (Montreal)
2023 CFL Draft picks: Jeremy Murphy (3rd round, 26th overall)
CFL newcomers: Manasseh Bailey, Gavin Garner, Otis Lanier, Michael O'Shea*, Tre Turner, Michael Young, Jr.

*Indicates: Canadian

Keep an eye on: Carlton Agudosi
A massive target at 6-6, 220, the 29-year-old Rutgers product showed so much in his four quarters of work, before being injured early in a game a week later. If healthy he gives the receiving corps another dangerous threat - not as a burner, but as a player with an incredible catch radius.

Did you know?
Nic Demski posted career-best numbers with 64 receptions for 772 yards and 10 receiving TDs. The Blue Bombers haven't had a Canadian receiver hit the 1,000-yard mark since Gerald Wilcox (69 catches for 1,024 yards) back in 1995.

Notable Number: 41
Schoen had 70 receptions in his break-out season with an incredible 41 of them second-down conversions.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/05/09/positional-preview-7-the-receivers/