Blue Bombers roster - 2023-2024

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Transactions:

2024-05-21   WPG   RANDOLPH, Kendall   OL   A   Alabama   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-21   WPG   CASTILLO, Sergio   K   A   West Texas A&M   TRF TO LEAGUE SUSPENSION   League Suspension

[DCM]

Just encase,

@Darren_Cameron
Sergio has temporarily returned home for a personal matter.
6:57 PM · May 21, 2024

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-sign offensive lineman Kendall Randolph
May 21, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed offensive lineman Kendall Randolph and placed kicker Sergio Castillo on the suspended list on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Kendall Randolph is six foot four and weighs 300 pounds. The 25-year-old from Madison, Alabama, signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, and played three preseason games. Then, Randolph signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 21, 2024, but was released on May 12, 2024.

Collegiately, Randolph played four seasons at Alabama (2019-22) after sitting out his first two seasons in 2017 and 2018 with the Crimson Tide. He played 53 games playing guard, tackle, and tight end positions making one tackle (1 solo). In 2022, Randolph helped open holes for 317 rushing yards while providing time for 555 yards of total offense and did not allow a sack.

In 2020, he started six games as a tight end while serving as a backup left tackle to Alex Leatherwood. Randolph played 13 games earning 313 combined snaps at tackle and tight end as the Crimson Tide won the CFP National Championship over Ohio State.

Sergio Castillo is five foot eleven and weighs 196 pounds. The 33-year-old from La Joya, Texas, converted 46 of 51 field goals (90.2%) with a long of 53 yards and made 53 of 57 extra points for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2023. The Blue Bombers signed Castillo as a free agent on May 4, 2023, and later re-signed him on February 23, 2024. In Winnipeg's preseason opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Castillo made two field goals with a long of 53 yards in a 25-12 Saskatchewan victory.

Before Winnipeg, Castillo signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2014 but was released after one preseason game. Then, he signed with the Blue Bombers in 2015. He made 10 of 13 field goals (76.9%) with a long of 48 yards, converted 5 of 6 extra points, and eight punts for 320 yards in four games. In 2016, he signed with the Ottawa Redblacks and punted the ball 13 times for 13 yards in two games before being released.

After Ottawa, Castillo signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2017, making 29 of 34 field goals with a long of 57 yards, converted 20 of 21 extra points, and punted the ball 93 times for 3,181 yards in 14 games before missing the rest of the season with an ACL injury.

In 2018, he returned to Ottawa for a tryout but did not make the team. A year later, he signed with the San Antonio Commanders (AAF) but was released before the season started. Not long after being released, Castillo signed with the B.C. Lions. He made 41 of 45 field goals (91.1%) with a long of 52 yards, converted 30 of 33 extra points, and punted the ball 20 times for 598 yards. He was named a CFL West All-Star and CFL All-Star in 2019.

After the Lions, Castillo was drafted by the Houston Roughnecks (XFL) in 2020. He made 5 of 9 field goals (55.6%) with a long of 44 yards. After the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season in which he signed with the B.C. Lions, Castillo signed with the New York Jets in 2020. He made 8 of 13 field goals (61.5%) with a long of 55 yards and converted 6 of 7 extra points.

In 2021, returned to the CFL, signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, converting 7 of 9 field goals (77.8%) with a long of 50 yards, and made 4 of 5 extra point conversions in three games, helping the Blue Bombers win their second Grey Cup title.

Then, Castillo signed with the Edmonton Elks as a free agent in 2022. In 2022, Castillo converted 37 of 44 field goals (84.1%) with a long of 52 yards, made 26 of 29 extra point conversions, and punted the ball eight times for 266 yards in 18 games for the Edmonton Elks.

Collegiately, Castillo played four seasons at West Texas A&M (2010-13) making 38 of 49 field goals in his career with a long of 56, converting 174 of 177 extra points. He ranks third all-time in school history in scoring at 288 points. He is a two-time First Team All-Lone Star Conference.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/05/21/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-offensive-lineman-kendall-randolph/

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BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS – MAY 22

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:
American receiver Sy Barnett (6-0, 190, Davenport, #71)
American defensive back Russell Dandy (6-0, 170, Eastern Illinois, #46)
American offensive lineman Kendall Randolph (6-4, 300, Alabama, #69)

Released from roster:
American receiver Oliver Martin

Transferred to six-game injured list:
National defensive lineman Cam Lawson

Transferred to suspended list:
American kicker Sergio Castillo

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign WR Sy Barnett and DB Russell Dandy
May 22, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed wide receiver Sy Barnett and defensive back Russell Dandy, released wide receiver Oliver Martin and placed defensive lineman Cam Lawson on the injured reserve list on Wednesday.

Sy Barnett is six foot and weighs 192 pounds. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Barnett signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, but was released three days later. Next, Barnett signed with the Arlington Renegades on January 31, 2024, and was released on March 21, 2024.

Collegiately, Barnett played three seasons at Ferris State University (2018-19, 2021) making 89 catches for 1,950 yards, 15 touchdowns, 26 carries for 114 yards, three touchdowns, completing one pass for 18 yards, one tackle (1 solo), punting the ball 54 times for 2,157 yards (39.9 AVG), made 7 of 10 field goals (70%), and made 55 of 61 field goals (90.2%) in 38 games for the Bulldogs.

Barnett is a member of the Bulldogs' 2019 GLIAC Championship and NCAA Semifinalist team and was named an All-Conference honoree in 2019.

Then, Barnett transferred to Davenport in 2022 making 53 catches for 694 yards, four touchdowns, two carries for six yards, two kick returns for 25 yards, punting the ball 19 times for 798 yards (42 AVG), one touchback, three fair catches, seven from inside the 20-yard line, four from 50-plus yards, and nine punt returns for 59 yards in nine games for the Panthers.

Russell Dandy is six foot and weighs 175 pounds. A native of Hinesville, Georgia, Dandy went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft and attended the New York Jets rookie minicamp in 2024.

Collegiately, Dandy played two seasons at Butte College (2018-19) making 25 tackles (19 solo, 6 assists), one tackle for loss, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 15 games for the Roadrunners.

Then, Dandy transferred to Eastern Illinois University (2021-23) making 74 tackles (61 solo, 13 assists), 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 24 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 25 games for the Panthers.

In 2023, Dandy made 34 tackles (30 solo, 4 assists), one tackle for loss, one interception, 19 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 11 games. He was named to the OVC All-Newcomer Team in 2021 and First Team All-Big South Conference in 2023.

Oliver Martin is six foot one and weighs 200 pounds. The 25-year-old from Coralville, Iowa, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played two preseason games with three catches for 11 yards.

Next, Martin signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on September 12, 2023, and was placed on the practice squad. Martin re-signed with the Blue Bombers on January 18, 2024, but did not play in the preseason against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Collegiately, Martin played two seasons at Michigan (2017-18) with 11 catches for 125 yards, one touchdown, and one carry for 11 yards in 13 games for the Wolverines. Then, he transferred to Iowa in 2019 with five catches for 28 yards, one touchdown, and one carry for five yards in eight games for the Hawkeyes.

After Iowa, Martin transferred to Nebraska (2020-22) with 26 catches for 428 yards, and two touchdowns in 25 games for the Cornhuskers.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/05/22/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-wr-sy-barnett-and-db-russell-dandy/

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Transactions:

2024-05-22   WPG   MARTIN, Oliver   WR   A   Nebraska   DEL   Game Roster
2024-05-22   WPG   BARNETT, Sy   WR   A   Davenport University   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-22   WPG   Dandy, Russell   DB   A   Eastern Illinois   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-22   WPG   LAWSON, Cameron   DL   N   Queen's   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury

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QUICK HITS TRAINING CAMP DAY 11
MAY 22, 2024 - Ed Tait

Comings/goings: The Blue Bombers added three players on Wednesday, including OL Kendall Randolph — the Alabama tackle who hasn't practised since his arrival before rookie camp. Also coming aboard are receiver Sy Barnett (6-0, 190; Davenport) and DB Russell Dandy (6-0, 170; Eastern Illinois). Barnett had an NFL look from the New Orleans Saints last year and was with the Arlington Renegades of the UFL before coming north. Dandy led the FCS with 19 knockdowns last year at Eastern Illinois, setting a school record and earned Walter Camp All-America honours while being named a first team All-Big South/OVC Football Association selection. The club also released receiver Oliver Martin.

Meanwhile, kicker Sergio Castillo was transferred to the suspended list so he could return home for a personal matter — he's expected back this weekend — while rising Canadian defensive tackle Cam Lawson was placed on the six-game injured list after being hurt in Monday's game.

"He'll be six (on the list for the entire time), for sure," said O'Shea. "It's going to be a little longer, I imagine. I don't know if it's going to be the full year or not but he's definitely going to need the six and probably more than that. I would assume more than that."

The Blue Bombers have five Canadian defensive linemen in camp other than Lawson in veteran Jake Thomas, Tanner Schmekel, Collin Cornelson — both 2023 draft picks — as well as Kyle Samson and end Owen Hubert, both selected this year. Anthony Bennett, last year's top pick, remains in Winnipeg and is rehabbing an offseason injury.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/22/quick-hits-training-camp-day-11-2/

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BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS – MAY 25

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:
American quarterback Darren Grainger (6-4, 225, Georgia State)
American defensive lineman Taylor Upshaw (6-5, 240, Arizona)
American defensive lineman Devin Adams (6-2, 290, Peru State)

Released from roster:
American quarterback Eric Barriere
American defensive lineman Jabari Ellis
American defensive back Anthony Witherstone

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Transactions:

2024-05-25   WPG   Upshaw, Taylor   DL   A   Arizona   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-25   WPG   GRAINGER, Darren   QB   A   Georgia State   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-25   WPG   BARRIERE, Eric   QB   A   Eastern Washington   DEL   Game Roster
2024-05-25   WPG   Adams, Devin   DT   A   Peru State College   ADD   Game Roster
2024-05-25   WPG   ELLIS, Jabari   DL   A   South Carolina   DEL   Game Roster
2024-05-25   WPG   WITHERSTONE, Anthony   DB   A   Merrimack   DEL   Game Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign three players including QB Darren Grainger
May 25, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed quarterback Darren Grainger, and defensive linemen Taylor Upshaw and Devin Adams while releasing quarterback Eric Barriere, defensive lineman Jabari Ellis, and defensive back Anthony Witherstone on Saturday.

Darren Grainger is six foot four and weighs 225 pounds. The 23-year-old from Conway, South Carolina, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Collegiately, Grainger played two seasons at Furman University (2018-19) completing 92 of 188 passes (49%) for 1,403 yards, 15 touchdowns, five interceptions, 135 carries for 349 yards, and five touchdowns in 18 games for the Paladins. He was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team in 2019.

Then, Grainger transferred to Georgia State (2021-23) completing 496 of 799 passes (62%) for 5,936 yards, 51 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 421 carries for 1,989 yards, 17 touchdowns, and two tackles (2 solo) in 35 games for the Panthers. In 2023, Grainger completed 202 of 299 passes (68%) for 1,964 yards, 16 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 136 carries for 666 yards, eight touchdowns, and two tackles (2 solo) in 11 games.

In the 2023 Famous Idaho Potatoes Bowl against Utah State, Graninger completed 19 of 22 passes (86.4%) for 257 yards, three touchdowns, 24 carries for 111 yards, and two touchdowns leading the Panthers to a 45-22 win, and was named the Bowl's MVP. In addition, Grainger was named a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention, MVP of the 2021 TaxAct Camellia Bowl, and the Davey O'Brien Award Class of 2023.

Taylor Upshaw is six foot five and weighs 255 pounds. The 24-year-old from Bradenton, Florida, attended the Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp in 2024.

Collegiately, Upshaw played four seasons at Michigan (2019-22) making 36 tackles (21 solo, 15 assists), 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble in 37 games for the Wolverines.

Then, Upshaw transferred to Arizona in 2023 making 31 tackles (16 solo, 15 assists), 11.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble in 13 games for the Wildcats. He was named an All-PAC 12 Conference Honorable Mention and on the Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List.

Devin Adams is six foot two and weighs and weighs 286 pounds. A native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Adams attended the New England Patriots rookie minicamp in 2024.

Collegiately, Adams played three seasons at Peru State College (2021-23) making 156 tackles (94 solo, 62 assists), 59 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, three kickoffs for 117 yards, 131 punts for 5,225 yards (39.9 AVG) with a long of 65 yards, six touchbacks, 20 fair catches, 49 punts from inside the 20-yard line, 19 from 50-plus yards, completed 6 of 7 passes (86%) for 161 yards, and 11 carries for 97 yards in 31 games for the Bobcats.

Adams was named a two-time First Team All-Conference as a punter and defensive lineman, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time First Team All-American, and Third Team All-American Award.

Eric Barriere is six foot one and weighs 210 pounds. The 26-year-old from Inglewood, California, attended rookie minicamp for the Denver Broncos in 2022 but was never offered a contract.

The Michigan Panthers signed Barriere on May 20, 2022. He played two games completing 14 of 24 passes (58.3%) for 118 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two carries for 13 yards. Barriere spent a season and a half with the Michigan Panthers.

In 2023, Barriere was on the Panthers and Generals practice squads in 2023 after New Jersey claimed him off waivers on May 30, 2023. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed Barriere on January 18, 2024. He played one preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders completing 3 of 6 passes (50%) for 23 yards, and one interception.

Collegiately, Barriere played five seasons at Eastern Washington (2017-21) completing 1,007 of 1,623 passes (62%) for 13,809 yards, 121 touchdowns, 29 interceptions, 376 carries for 1,585 yards, 22 touchdowns, and three catches for 16 yards in 51 games for the Eagles.

He is a two-time Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year, two-time First Team All-Big Sky, two-time Third Team All-Big Sky, and a 2021 Walter Payton Award Winner.

Jabari Ellis is six foot three and weighs 290 pounds. The 26-year-old from Vance, South Carolina, signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022, but was released on July 26, 2022.

In 2022, he played two games registering two tackles for Montreal. He signed with the Alouettes as a free agent on September 6, 2022. In 2023, Ellis spent part of the season on the Montreal Alouettes practice squad before he was released on July 3, 2023. Ellis signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 9, 2024. He played one preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders making one tackle.

Collegiately, Ellis played two seasons at Georgia Military College (2016-17) with 36 tackles (27 solo, 9 assists), 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup in 21 games for the Bulldogs. Then, he transferred to South Carolina (2018-21) with 81 tackles (44 solo, 37 assists), 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass breakups in 35 games, of which 22 were starts for the Gamecocks.

Anthony Witherstone is six foot two and weighs 193 pounds. The 24-year-old from Warwick, Rhode Island, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2023. Witherstone made one tackle (1 solo) in one preseason game for the Kansas City Chiefs against the New Orleans Saints in 2023 before he was waived from injured reserve on August 21, 2023.

Then, Witherstone was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks (XFL) in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed Witherstone on March 12, 2024. Witherstone played one preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders making one tackle.

Collegiately, Witherstone played six seasons at Merrimack University (2017-22) with 74 tackles (55 solo, 19 assists), two tackles for loss, four interceptions for 59 yards, two touchdowns, 19 pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 35 games for the Warriors.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/05/25/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-three-players-including-qb-darren-grainger/

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QUICK HITS  TRAINING CAMP — DAY 14
MAY 25, 2024  Ed Tait

Comings/goings: The Blue Bombers added QB Darren Grainger (6-4, 225; Georgia State) and two D-linemen in Taylor Upshaw (6-5, 240; Arizona) and Devin Adams (6-2, 290, Peru State) while releasing Barriere, as mentioned above, as well as DL Jabari Ellis and DB Anthony Witherstone.

Grainger, FYI, threw for 257 yards and three TDs and ran for two more in Georgia State's win over Utah State in the most recent Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

O'Shea on Grainger: "Danny (McManus, Assistant GM/Director of U.S. Scouting) and Buck (Pierce, offensive coordinator) like him and when I watch his film he's a big, strong guy, he runs very well and he looks taller than old style CFL mobile quarterbacks. He's got that kind of mobility, good arm strength, rushed for a bunch of touchdowns, threw for a bunch and wasn't afraid to push the ball downfield. He's pretty pleasing to watch athletically."

Check out Grainger's college highlight tape:

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/25/quick-hits-training-camp-day-14/

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BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS – MAY 27

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Released from roster:
American receiver Kody Case
American defensive lineman Rick D'Abreu

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QUICK HITS  TRAINING CAMP DAY 16
MAY 27, 2024 Ed Tait

FYI: OL Pat Neufeld was back in gear on Monday, but mostly played the spectator during practice. He has not practised since camp opened... The Blue Bombers made a couple of roster moves on Monday, releasing receiver Kody Case and defensive lineman Rick D'Abreu.

Castillo returns: Kicker Sergio Castillo was also back on the field on Monday. He had left late last week to return home to be with his wife following the passing of her grandmother.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/27/quick-hits-training-camp-day-16/

Winnipeg Blue Bombers release WR Kody Case and DL Rick D'Abreu
May 27, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released wide receiver Kody Case and defensive lineman Rick D'Abreu on Monday.

Kody Case is five foot ten and weighs 180 pounds. The 25-year-old from Lake City, Iowa, signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played two preseason games for the Indianapolis Colts recording no stats.

Then, Case signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on January 12, 2024. He played one preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders making one catch for four yards and one kick return for 24 yards.

Collegiately, Case played five seasons at South Dakota (2017-21) with 82 catches for 1,157 yards, nine touchdowns, two carries for 12 yards, 16 kick returns for 282 yards, and 18 punt returns for 161 yards in 32 games for the Coyotes. Then, he transferred to Illinois in 2022 with two punt returns for 16 yards in three games for the Fighting Illini.

Rick D'Abreu is six foot two and weighs 280 pounds. The 23-year-old from Chester, Virginia, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Then, D'Abreu signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 2, 2024.

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/2024/05/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-wr-kody-case-and-dl-rick-dabreu/

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Transactions:

2024-05-27   WPG   D'Abreu, Rick   DL   A   Texas Christian   DEL   Free Agent
2024-05-27   WPG   CASE, Kody   WR   A   Illinois   DEL   Free Agent
2024-05-27   WPG   CASTILLO, Sergio   K   A   West Texas A&M   ADD FROM LEAGUE SUSPENSION   Game Roster
2024-05-27   WPG   NEUFELD, Patrick   OL   N   Saskatchewan   ADD FROM RETIRED   Game Roster

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BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS – MAY 28

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Released from roster:
American receiver Peter Afful
American receiver Tyler Adams
American receiver Jaylen Hall
American offensive lineman Khalil Keith