Blue Bombers roster - 2023-2024

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW #7: RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/04/28/positional-preview-7-running-backs-fullbacks/

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POSITIONAL PREVIEW #8: QUARTERBACKS

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/04/29/positional-preview-8-quarterbacks-2/

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2024 DRAFT CLASS

GLOBAL Players picked...

#8 Fabian Weitz - LB, 6'0" 220 lbs. from Cologne, Germany

#17 Lucky Ogbevoen - DB, 6'2" 223 lbs.

DRAFT players picked...

#13, Kevens Clercius, WR, UCONN.  6'2", 217 lbs.  Known as an elite ST player, and is known for doing the dirty work well  in blocking.

#14, Michael Chris-Ike, RB/FB, Delaware State.  6'1", 225 lbs.  A large, fast player.  Known for brute force and speedy cuts, his vision has been questioned.  A durable backup for Brady, but expected to be an immediate special teams player in the mold of Mike Miller.

#17, Gabe Wallace, OL, Buffalo.  6'6", 305 lbs.  Was originally projected at #3.  A mean, hard-nosed big body road-grader who can play guard or tackle.  Favorite player growing up in BC was Adam Bighill.

#20, Kyle Samson, DT, UBC.  6'3", 290 lbs..  2X Academic All Canadian, 2X All Canadian, 2X All Star. 34 reps on the bench on his pro day.  Reputation as a run-stuffer with a great motor.

#37, Ian Leroux, LS, Laval.  6'1" 225 lbs.  Mike Benson's protege?

#40, Ethan Kalra, OL, Waterloo.  6'2". 305 lbs.

#46, Giovanni Manu, OL, UBC.  6'8", 340 lbs..   Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 4th round of the NFL draft.  A low price to pay If he ever makes it to the CFL, he could be impressive.

#55 Abdul-Karim Gassama - Manitoba 5'8" 158 lbs.

#64 Michael Vlahogiannis - McGill, OL 6'3" 312 lbs.

#73 Owen Hubert - McMaster, DL  6'4" 263 lbs.

Meet the 2024 Draft Class

They were already one of the toughest and meanest outfits in the entire Canadian Football League, long considered dominant along both sides of the line of scrimmage and perennially gritty on special teams.

And now — courtesy Tuesday's CFL Draft — the Winnipeg Blue Bombers just added a whole lot of nasties to an already ornery roster.

The Blue Bombers added to their homegrown talent depth with 11 selections, although they ultimately had to wait to make their first pick. Winnipeg flipped their first-round pick, eighth overall, to the Calgary Stampeders – along with third-round selection, 28th overall – for the 13th and 14th overall selections. That meant the Blue Bombers had four picks in the second round at 13, 14, plus the 17th and 20th overall selections they already had.

Through the first two rounds Blue Bombers took University of Connecticut receiver Kevens Clercius 13th overall, running back Michael Chris-Ike of Delaware State at 14, University of Buffalo offensive lineman Gabe Wallace at 17 and UBC defensive tackle Kyle Samson at 20th overall.

They then added a long snapper in Ian Leroux of Laval 37th overall, O-lineman Ethan Kalra of Waterloo at 40th overall – using the extra fifth-round selection through the Dru Brown trade to Ottawa in January – and then Giovanni Manu, the 6-6, 352-pound man mountain of an O-lineman who was drafted in fourth round pick by the Detroit Lions last weekend.

The club then went local by grabbing University of Manitoba receiver A.K. Gassama 55th overall, then McGill O-lineman Michael Vlahogiannis in the seventh round, 64th overall, and McMaster defensive end Owen Hubert in the eighth round, 73rd overall.

All added up, that's four offensive linemen, two receivers and defensive linemen, and one running back and long snapper added to the club's Canadian cupboard. Nine of the 10 picks – all but Manu – are expected to be at the club's rookie camp beginning next week on May 8th.

Earlier in the day the club also added two global prospects in the CFL Global Draft in German linebacker Fabian Weitz and Austrian defensive back/linebacker Lucky Ogbevoen.

GM Kyle Walters is to meet with the media Wednesday morning to provide more detail about the club's 2024 draft. In the meantime, here's a more detailed look at the newest Blue Bombers:

THE NEW BLUE CREW

Kevens Clercius

Selected: Round 2, 13th overall
Position: receiver
School: Connecticut
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 212

Notable: Tough player from a tough neighbourhood in Montreal, the son of Haitian immigrants... Lost his mother to illness at age 14... Landed a scholarship at UConn and arrived speaking almost no English but enrolled in language classes before school started... Appeared in 37 games over three years with the Huskies, pulling in 49 passes for 604 yards and five TDs.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He's got the size and grit to make an impact right away on special teams and potentially fill the 'dirty work' role Rasheed Bailey did so well with the offence as a blocker at the line and downfield.

Michael Chris-Ike

Selected: Round 2, 14th overall
Position: running back
School: Delaware State
Ht: 6-1; Wt: 225

Notable: Has earned a rookie-camp invite with the New York Jets in the next couple of weeks... Did not carry the ball a lot at Delaware State, with just 14 touches last year for 90 yards... Tied for the fastest 40 time at the CFL Combine at 4.51 with DB Benjamin Labrosse (drafted by Calgary fourth overall).

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He gives them added depth behind CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Brady Oliveira and Johnny Augustine but is another tough dude with good size and speed who should contribute immediately on special teams and, perhaps, be an option to fill the fullback spot.

Gabe Wallace

Selected: Round 2, 17th overall
Position: offensive line
School: Buffalo
Ht: 6-6; Wt: 344

Notable: Posted great numbers at the University of Buffalo pro day, including a 29.5-inch vertical which, as pointed out by John Hodge of 3Down Nation, was higher than 23 OL at the NFL Combine this spring. He also threw up 29 reps at the bench press... Dressed for 49 games at Buffalo, including 28 games at guard, seven at left tackle and two games at right tackle.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He was called a 'big mauler' and a 'road grader' by TSN analysts Duane Forde and Jim Barker and that makes him a perfect fit in an O-line room already stacked with those types. Two Canadian starters in Chris Kolankowski and Pat Neufeld are in their 30s and give this guy some time with the best O-line coach in the CFL in Marty Costello and he could blossom.

Kyle Samson

Selected: Round 2, 20th overall
Position: defensive tackle
School: UBC
Ht: 6-3; Wt: 290

Notable: Played in 33 games over four seasons with the T-Birds, with eight sacks, 47 solo tackles, one interception, 19.5 tackles for loss and three pass knockdowns... A foot injury prevented him from being a full participant at the UBC pro day, but he did throw up 34 reps in the bench press... A two-time U Sports Second Team All-Canadian.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: The club is loaded at defensive tackle with veterans Jake Thomas and Cam Lawson, with Tanner Schmekel and Collin Kornelson from last year's draft class.

Ian Leroux

Selected: Round 4, 37th overall
Position: long snapper
School: Laval
Ht: 6-1; Wt: 225

Notable: Was a defensive captain at Laval and considered the best long snapper by many in this class... Vanier Cup champion in 2022.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Mike Benson has a lock on this job, but as consistent as he is, he's also 36. Leroux will come to camp, learn from one of the CFL's best, and then head back to Laval. That gives the club a long-snapping heir apparent in their stable of Canadian talent.

Ethan Kalra

Selected: Round 5, 40th overall
Position: offensive line
School: Waterloo
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 309

Notable: Earned an invite to the main CFL Combine in Winnipeg after a solid showing at the Invitational Combine in Waterloo... Had 29 career starts with the Warriors, mostly at guard.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Enters camp under essentially the same circumstances as Wallace, listed above.

Giovanni Manu

Selected: Round 5, 46th overall
Position: offensive line
School: UBC
Ht: 6-8; Wt: 340

Notable: Drafted last Saturday by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round... Absolutely freakish size and testing numbers to go with it – he ran an astonishing 5.03 yard 40 at his UBC pro day, which was attended by 16 NFL teams... Originally born in Tonga.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Well, he might not ever play in Canada, given he's a man mountain and has earned a long look by the Lions – even if they move on from him, the amount of NFL interest shown before the draft means several teams will line up to take their own look. Still, at this stage in the draft, it's certainly worth the risk for the club.

AK Gassama

Selected: Round 6, 55th overall
Position: receiver
School: Manitoba
Ht: 5-9; Wt: 158

Notable: He's an inspiration as his family fled Sierra Leone during the civil war to land in Winnipeg... He had 38 receptions for 465 yards and four TDs last season... Was a U Sports First Team All-Canadian last year and a Second Team All-Canadian in 2022 and was a two-time Canada West All-Star... Named Bison Sports Male Athlete of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: He and Clercius give the Blue Bombers receiver depth behind veterans Nic Demski and Drew Wolitarsky and second-year man Jeremy Murphy. He's a different body type than Clercius and more of a speed/deep threat target.

Michael Vlahogiannis

Selected: Round 7, 64th overall
Position: offensive line
School: McGill
Ht: 6-3; Wt: 312

Notable: A Quebec conference all-star last year at centre... Started seven games last year and 19 in his career with the Redbirds.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: Canadian O-line depth is critical and now the club has it in abundance in Neufeld, Kolankowski, Liam Dobson, Tui Eli, Wallace, Manu (although he's bound for the NFL) and Vlahogiannis.

Owen Hubert

Selected: Round 8, 73rd overall
Position: defensive end
School: McMaster
Ht: 6-4; Wt: 263

Notable: Good testing numbers at the CFL Combine with a vertical jump of 30 inches and 113 inches in the broad jump, while running a 5.03 40... Saw action in 17 games with the Marauders.

Why he's a good fit for the Blue Bombers: The Blue Bombers are stacked at Canadian at defensive tackle, but Hubert could give them another option at end behind Anthony Bennett, last year's top pick.

GLOBAL DRAFT SELECTIONS

Fabian Weitz

Selected: Round 1, eighth overall
Position: linebacker
School/last club: Cologne Centurions (European League of Football)
Ht: 6-0; Wt: 221

FYI: Played his college ball at the University of Buffalo (2018-22), appearing in 22 games and working primarily on special teams... Returned to his hometown to play with the Cologne Centurions in Germany and had 20 tackles and a fumble recovery in five games in 2023... Ran a 4.77 at the CFL Global Combine, the second-fastest time among a group that was primarily D-linemen and linebackers. Also 17 reps on the bench.

Lucky Ogbevoen

Selected: Round 2, 17th overall
Position: defensive back/linebacker
School/last club: Tirol Raiders (ELF)
Ht: 6-2; Wt: 223

FYI: Born in Vienna, Austria and began playing football in 2012, playing with the Austrian National U17 and U19 teams... Attended the 2022 NFL International Combine in London... He was the Raiders defensive MVP in 2022 after registering 79 total tackles, one and a half sacks, and 10 tackles for loss.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/04/30/meet-the-2024-draft-class/

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Transactions:

2024-05-01   WPG   Rogers, Patrick   DB   A   Central Washington   ADD   
2024-05-01   WPG   Ford, Demetries   DB   A   Arizona State   ADD   

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BLUE BOMBERS ADD FOUR TO ROSTER
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.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/01/blue-bombers-add-four-to-roster/

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Transactions:

2024-05-02   WPG   D'Abreu, Rick   DL   A   Texas Christian   ADD   
2024-05-02   WPG   Green, David   DL   A   Pittsburgh   ADD

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign defensive linemen David Green and Rick D'Abreu
May 2, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed defensive linemen David Green and Rick D'Abreu on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.

David Green is six foot one and weighs 285 pounds. The 24-year-old from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, made 33 tackles (8 solo, 25 assists), three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 12 games for the Pittsburgh Panthers in 2023.

Collegiately, Green played five seasons at Pittsburgh (2019-23) making 92 tackles (34 solo, 58 assists), 13.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 60 games for the Panthers.

At Central Catholic High School, Green was named to the Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 6A, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22", Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "Terrific 25", and All-Northern Seven Conference. As a three-year starter, Green helped lead Central Catholic to a three-year mark of 39-6 (.867), including two WPIAL championships and a PIAA title.

Rick D'Abreu is six foot two and weighs 280 pounds. A native of Chester, Virginia, D'Abreu went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Collegiately, D'Abreu played four seasons at East Carolina University (2019-22) with 46 tackles (20 solo, 26 assists), 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 32 games for the Pirates.

Then, D'Abreu transferred to TCU in 2023 with 12 tackles (4 solo, 8 assists), 4.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack in 10 games for the Horned Frogs. After the season, D'Abreu attended the 2024 College Gridiron Showcase.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/05/02/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-defensive-linemen-david-green-and-rick-dabreu/

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Blue Bombers add two to roster

WINNIPEG, MB., May 3, 2024 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive end Rick D'Abreu and American defensive tackle David Green.

Green (6-1, 285, Pittsburgh; born: October 18, 1999, in West Mifflin, VA) appeared in 39 games over five seasons (2019-2023) with the Panthers. Over that time, Green recorded 92 total tackles, 13.5 tackle-for-losses, eight sacks, two knockdowns, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

The 2021 ACC Champion joins the Bombers after declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft and recently attending Pitt Pro Day.

D'Abreu (6-2, 280, TCU; born: February 23, 2001, in Chester, VA.) comes to the Bombers after appearing in 51 collegiate games and starting in 15. D'Abreu spent four seasons (2019-2022) with East Carolina, and his senior year with TCU (2023). Over his collegiate career he posted 84 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Abreu started all 9 games he appeared in during his sophomore season (2020), recording 24 total tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

At TCU, he appeared in 10 games, registering 12 tackles, 4.5 tackle-for-losses, and a half sack before attending the Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, TX

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Transactions:

2024-05-03   WPG   Weitz, Fabian   LB   G   Cologne Centurions (ELF)   ADD   
2024-05-03   WPG   Vlahogiannis, Michael   OL   N   McGill   ADD   
2024-05-03   WPG   Samson, Kyle   DL   N   UBC   ADD   
2024-05-03   WPG   Clercius, Kevens   WR   N   Connecticut   ADD

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Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC
The @Wpg_BlueBombers sign eight of their 10-player 2024 CFL Draft class.
Not signed: OL Giovanni Manu, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions and RB Michael Chris-Ike, who is attending New York Jets rookie mini-camp:

Blue Bombers ink eight 2024 CFL Draft selections

WINNIPEG, MB., May 5, 2024 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed eight of their 2024 CFL Draft selections including Kevens Clercius, Gabe Wallace, Kyle Samson, Ian Leroux, Ethan Kalra, AK Gassama, Michael Vlahogiannis and Owen Hubert.

Clercius (6-2, 217, University of Connecticut; born: October 7, 1999, in Montreal, Quebec) appeared in 37 games over three years with the UConn Huskies, pulling in 49 passes for 604 yards and five touchdowns.

The son of Haitian immigrants, Clercius lost his mother to illness at age 14 and arrived speaking almost no English but enrolled in language classes before school started, landing a scholarship at UConn.

Wallace (6-6, 333, University of Buffalo; born: January 9, 2000, in Salmon Arm, BC) dressed for 49 career games with the Bulls after redshirting with the team in 2018. He was a three-year starter, starting 28 games at guard, seven games at left tackle, and two games at right tackle. He was named third-team All-MAC as a senior in 2022 when he played exclusively at left guard, helping the Bulls rank top five in total offence.

Samson (6-3, 290, University of Columbia; born: November 14, 2000, in Hamilton, ON) dressed for 25 career games with the Thunderbirds over his four years with the team. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 48.5 total tackles, also adding an interception over his UBC career. He was named a two-time U SPORTS Second-Team all-Canadian (2023, 2022), a two-time Canada West all-star (2023, 2022), and won the 2023 Hardy Cup and Mitchell Bowl.

Leroux (6-1, 225, University of Laval; born: May 6, 1999, in Quebec City, QC) is committed to returning to Laval next season. Over his four seasons with Laval, Leroux dressed for 29 games, recording 14 tackles and one interception. He was a 2022 Dunsmore Cup, Mitchell Bowl and Vanier Cup winner.

Kalra (6-2, 309, University of Waterloo; born: March 27, 2000, in Acton, ON) was a 2023 East-West Bowl participant (West Team) and started in all 29 games of his four-year career with the Warriors. Kalra started his collegiate career at right tackle before making the switch to right guard in his sophomore year.

Gassama (5-9, 158, University of Manitoba; born: October 13, 1999, in Winnipeg, MB) arrived in Winnipeg as a refugee, growing up in Sierra Leone during the Civil War before moving to Canada as a young child. In 2017, he secured a scholarship to the U of M and became the seventh player in program history to record 100 catches and tally 1,000 receiving yards in 2022. Gassama was named the '22-23 Bison Sports Male Athlete of the Year and is also a two-time All-Canadian.

Vlahogiannis (6-3, 312, McGill; born: November 11, 1998, in Montreal, QC) was named a 2023 RSEQ all-star and was a 2023 East-West Bowl participant (East Team) in a year in which he dressed for eight games, starting seven and helping his team amass 1,193 rushing yards. Over his four years with the Redbirds, Vlahogiannis started 19 games at centre.

Hubert (6-4, 263, McMaster; born: March 1, 2000, in Norwood, ON) played four seasons with the Marauders, seeing action in 27 games and recording 65 total tackles (42 solo, 23 assisted). In his senior year, Hubert also recorded five sacks and a forced fumble and was selected for East-West Bowl in 2022.

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Blue Bombers transactions - May 5, 2024

WINNIPEG, MB., May 5, 2024 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has released American defensive back Anthony Blue.

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The CFL's 15 highest-paid quarterbacks for the 2024 season
By Justin Dunk -May 7, 2024

1) Zach Collaros, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $600,000
Maximum value: $600,000

The two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player collected a $300,000 off-season roster bonus on January 15 and makes the rest of his money for 2024 in the form of a $286,200 base salary and $13,800 in housing. The 35-year-old is currently in the second year of a three-year extension he signed partway through the 2022 season, which ties him to the Manitoba capital through 2025.

2) Chad Kelly, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $583,000
Maximum value: $583,000

3) Trevor Harris, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $473,000
Maximum value: $500,000

4) McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $461,000
Maximum value: $542,500

5) Cody Fajardo, Montreal Alouettes (A)

Hard money: $432,000
Maximum value: $450,000

6) Vernon Adams Jr., B.C. Lions (A)

Hard money: $403,800
Maximum value: $403,800

7) Jake Maier, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $339,000
Maximum value: $380,000

8 ) Dru Brown, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $286,000
Maximum value: $340,000

9) Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $225,500
Maximum value: $361,500

10) Jeremiah Masoli, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $133,800
Maximum value: $236,800

11) Chris Streveler, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $120,000
Maximum value: $174,000

The fan favourite returned to Bomberland this off-season following a four-year stint in the NFL. He received a $36,200 signing bonus from Winnipeg and can collect $70,000 in base salary, $13,800 in housing money, and $3,000 each time he plays more than half of the team's offensive snaps in a regular season game.

12) Mason Fine, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $113,000
Maximum value: $174,000

13) Jake Dolegala, B.C. Lions (A)

Hard money: $110,800
Maximum value: $172,800

14) Matthew Shiltz, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $107,500
Maximum value: $199,600

15) Caleb Evans, Montreal Alouettes (A)

Hard money: $95,000
Maximum value: $233,500

https://3downnation.com/2024/05/07/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-quarterbacks-for-the-2024-season/

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Transactions:

2024-05-07   WPG   Hackett, William   DB   A   Albany   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Hubert, Owen   DL   N   McMaster   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Petrishen, John   LB   A   Pittsburgh   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Thomas, Tre   LB   A   Idaho   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Kalra, Ethan   OL   N   Waterloo   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   OKEKE, Chidi   OL   A   Tennessee State   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Leroux, Ian   LS   N   Laval   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Wallace, Gabe   OL   N   Buffalo   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Siegel, CJ   DB   A   North Dakota   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   MOSES, Dylan   LB   A   Alabama   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Ogbevoen, Lucky   LB   G   Tirol Raiders (ELF)   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   Gassama, Abdul-Karim   WR   N   Manitoba   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-06   WPG   BLUE, Anthony   DB   A   Newberry College   DEL   Free Agent

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TOP OF THE DEPTH CHART: WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
by Don Landry

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/05/07/top-of-the-depth-chart-winnipeg-blue-bombers-2/

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ROOKIE CAMP '24 PRIMER
by Ed Tait

There's an expression that two things are irretrievable: time and a first impression.

It's with that in mind that close to 70 Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookies – plus 54-year-old legend Milt Stegall — will step on the field Wednesday morning knowing they have a tiny window to catch the eyes of the club's coaching staff and scouting department in advance of the opening of main training camp with all the veterans on Sunday.

There are three practice sessions in rookie camp through Friday, totalling six hours and 45 minutes, and with that many players on the field at once the opportunities are limited to survive the weekend's first cut-down date before main training camp opens Sunday morning.

That's the reality of pro sports, of course. And even with the 2024 Blue Bombers undergoing change with the departures of familiar faces like Jackson Jeffcoat, Jermarcus Hardrick, Janarion Grant, Geoff Gray, Ricky Walker and Demerio Houston over the winter, this roster is as set as any in the Canadian Football League.

Simply put, then, it's step up now or forever hold your peace for all these wannabe Blue Bombers.

Following the three-day rookie camp the team will have medicals and testing on Saturday, with the entire collection of talent at work together on Sunday. Teams will have to reduce their rosters to 85 on Saturday not including draft non-counters — this year's draft class plus Collin Kornelson, Max Charbonneau, Bret MacDougall, Jonathan Rosery, Dante Mastrogiuseppe, Nico McCarthy and 2024 Global Draft picks Fabian Weitz and Lucky Ogbevoen. That number get shaved further in a hurry, with roster needed to be down to 75 (excluding non-counters) by next Tuesday.

The Blue Bombers will have eight days from the first day of main camp to prep for their first preseason game on Victoria Day in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Their final preseason tune-up goes May 31st at home vs. the Calgary Stampeders with the season opener coming at Princess Auto Stadium on June 6th in a Grey Cup rematch with the Montreal Alouettes.

Here's a quick primer to get Blue Bombers fans ready for rookie camp...

FIVE TO WATCH

#76 Aron Cruickshank, WR/KR – Lots of candidates to replace Janarion Grant as the primary kick returner and Cruickshank's resumé pops as the Big Ten's return specialist of the year in 2020 and a guy who has had NFL looks from Chicago and Pittsburgh.

#62 Larnel Coleman, OL – Former Miami Dolphins seventh-round draft pick in 2021 who is among the group trying to replace Hardrick at right tackle.

#22 Tyrique McGhee, CB – Appeared in one game last year – the regular-season finale in Calgary – after spending most of the year on the practice roster. Former Georgia Bulldog who will be in the fight to start at corner.

#9 KJ Hill, WR – Tons of receivers in camp, as always, but few with his credentials – for what that's worth when practices begin – as a former L.A. Chargers draft pick and the leading receiver in the history of Ohio State.

52 Ali Fayad, DE – Intriguing defensive end prospect who has four games to his name with Toronto in 2022. Was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year at Western Michigan in 2021.

THE QBS

Lock in Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler to the top two spots on the QB depth chart.
The other two QBs in camp:

#12 Eric Barriere: A star at Eastern Washington – the same school that delivered Bo Levi Mitchell, Matt Nichols and Vernon Adams, Jr. to the CFL – he was the Walter Payton Award winner as the top player in FCS in 2021 and has been in mini-camp with the Denver Broncos and had stints in the USFL.

#3 Terry Wilson: Completed over 63 percent of his passes in a six-year collegiate career that concluded at New Mexico and included stops at Oregon and Kentucky. Was in Dallas Cowboys rookie camp in 2022 and the Houston Gamblers of the USFL for a spell last year.

Canadian QB Internship Program

Jackson Tachinski, University of Manitoba: Passed for 1,757 yards and 10 TDs to one interception last year, while rushing for six TDs and 538 yards. Participating in this weekend's U Sports East-West Bowl at the University of Waterloo – an event featuring the Top 100 U Sports players eligible for next year's CFL Draft.
 
https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/07/rookie-camp-24-primer/