Ontaria "Pokey" Wilson

[theaardvark]

Having burst onto the CFL scene with a breakout game, I think he deserves his own thread.

I understand his nickname has been "Pokey".  Given to him by his grandmother because he reminded her of a Pokemon character.

Well, I guess you could have a worse nickname than one the infers you "Gotta catch 'em all".

Collaros saw the talent he has and was waiting for him to figure out the CFL and get "up to speed", and Friday night, looks like that time arrived.

Dunigan kept calling him "sticky" after that catch over the middle that was way over his head.  Hopefully by next game, he will have learned "Pokey's" real nickname.  Although sticky isn't bad either, really.

FSU standout, with a shoulder injury, went undrafted and signed with the Chargers in 2023 as an undrafted FA, but didn't make the final cuts.

I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of him over the next couple years, unless he gets an NFL sniff this offseason.  No, I'm not saying one 200 yard game means he's NFL bound, but judging by what Collaros has said about him since the start of camp, there are definitely going to be some eyes south of the border looking this way.

We should enjoy him while we can.

 

[Blue In BC]

He's going to get a lot more attention next game. So we probably target him less but that should open up other receivers even if they don't make any roster changes.

Demski and Woli will benefit and I would imagine get more looks.

Will we make changes to the receiver group this week? Stay tuned.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Having burst onto the CFL scene with a breakout game, I think he deserves his own thread.

I understand his nickname has been "Pokey".  Given to him by his grandmother because he reminded her of a Pokemon character.

Well, I guess you could have a worse nickname than one the infers you "Gotta catch 'em all".

Collaros saw the talent he has and was waiting for him to figure out the CFL and get "up to speed", and Friday night, looks like that time arrived.

Dunigan kept calling him "sticky" after that catch over the middle that was way over his head.  Hopefully by next game, he will have learned "Pokey's" real nickname.  Although sticky isn't bad either, really.

FSU standout, with a shoulder injury, went undrafted and signed with the Chargers in 2023 as an undrafted FA, but didn't make the final cuts.

I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of him over the next couple years, unless he gets an NFL sniff this offseason.  No, I'm not saying one 200 yard game means he's NFL bound, but judging by what Collaros has said about him since the start of camp, there are definitely going to be some eyes south of the border looking this way.

We should enjoy him while we can.

 

Watch his College highlight tape, interesting how similar some of the receptions are to ones he made yesterday.

[theaardvark]

The more dynamic the targets are, the harder it is to cover them. 

Our core is solid, Woli and Demski have everything you could want in 3-4 WRs.  We entered the season with Lawler/Schoen as 1-2.  Losing both promoted Demski/Woli and brought more coverage on them, making it tougher for them to get open. 

Its nice to have Wilson now as a target.  Betting CGY wasn't counting on him going off for 200 yards.  BC will have had a chance to plan for him.

Add in Lucky, if he's up to speed with his conditioning and the playbook, and you've got 2 deep threat burners and Demski as a different kind of deep threat as well.  With Collaros rounding into form, and dropping dimes, I have a feeling we may be making S'mores out of BC's DBs.

In the current roster, I can see Lucky/Clercius as a rotating duo, Clercius more on blocking downs, and Lucky flying down the field.



When Lawler comes back, this is going to be back to a top notch corps. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The more dynamic the targets are, the harder it is to cover them. 

Our core is solid, Woli and Demski have everything you could want in 3-4 WRs.  We entered the season with Lawler/Schoen as 1-2.  Losing both promoted Demski/Woli and brought more coverage on them, making it tougher for them to get open. 

Its nice to have Wilson now as a target.  Betting CGY wasn't counting on him going off for 200 yards.  BC will have had a chance to plan for him.

Add in Lucky, if he's up to speed with his conditioning and the playbook, and you've got 2 deep threat burners and Demski as a different kind of deep threat as well.  With Collaros rounding into form, and dropping dimes, I have a feeling we may be making S'mores out of BC's DBs.

In the current roster, I can see Lucky/Clercius as a rotating duo, Clercius more on blocking downs, and Lucky flying down the field.



When Lawler comes back, this is going to be back to a top notch corps. 

I think Zach still has to scale it back with the long passes and moderate the passing game with short and intermediate routes and not try so hard to be a gunslinger.  Going for the long ball is usually when the O-line collapses and he gets smashed against teams with good D-line push.  Mix it up more, no need to always play on the edge of desperation.

[Pigskin]

I think Zach still has to scale it back with the long passes and moderate the passing game with short and intermediate routes and not try so hard to be a gunslinger.  Going for the long ball is usually when the O-line collapses and he gets smashed against teams with good D-line push.  Mix it up more, no need to always play on the edge of desperation.

Yes, the Int in the end zone last night was a flash back to GC. ZC8 had a Clercius wide open on the side lines, and still try to force the pass to ND10 in double coverage. 

[Big Daddy]

Watch his College highlight tape, interesting how similar some of the receptions are to ones he made yesterday.

Thanks for the college tape, that was pretty cool.   Have no idea if 3very receiver has tape like that, but it sure made me want to watch him more going forward (of course, so did last nite's game). 

Sure no one has seen him up to this point, and they can plan better going forward.  I like Marty's nickname Sticky, sure saw that live last nite and wondered how he made some of those catches.  It's early but I think he's a keeper.

Now if only I could get that stupid music from his college tape out of my head - that was horrible.

[J5V]

Watch his College highlight tape, interesting how similar some of the receptions are to ones he made yesterday.

Holy crap! Guy has a deadly skill set. Seems to read a ball in flight very well and adjusts to know where to be. He has a lateral move that DBs can't match and is trouble once he catches it too. Wow!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Holy crap! Guy has a deadly skill set. Seems to read a ball in flight very well and adjusts to know where to be. He has a lateral move that DBs can't match and is trouble once he catches it too. Wow!

Yep, his one handed catches are no fluke, he pulls off a couple on that highlight reel.

[theaardvark]

Watched the video... in the middle there was a punt return using the decoy like the one that MOS did.  Kinda fun.

Seems to make a lot of contested catches, when he's not ridiculously open.  Starts the video with the 2 one handers, nice.  Lots of YAC yards too, does not seem to get tackled easily.  Very MOS type of player.

[J5V]

His lateral movement is other-worldly. He uses it to get open and to juke a would-be tackler after he receives the ball. YAC yards are real good and he has deceptive speed. What a beauty! Kudos to the scouting staff for finding this gem.

[J5V]

He's going to get a lot more attention next game. So we probably target him less but that should open up other receivers even if they don't make any roster changes.

Demski and Woli will benefit and I would imagine get more looks.

Will we make changes to the receiver group this week? Stay tuned.

I'm imagining this receiver group when Lawler gets back. If we can find another gem to replace Dalton Shoen, look out!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I'm imagining this receiver group when Lawler gets back. If we can find another gem to replace Dalton Shoen, look out!

I think they'll be good with Wilson and Lucky, if they invested in bringing him in, they may as well run with him.   The rest of the rookie import receivers can fight it out on the PR and the survivors can compete for a job again next year, introducing one rookie receiver per year is transition enough.  Special exception to Clercius, being a Natl. he deserves preferential treatment! 

[theaardvark]

I'm imagining this receiver group when Lawler gets back. If we can find another gem to replace Dalton Shoen, look out!

When Lawler returns, Schoen is already replaced with Wilson, Lucky/Clercius replaces Bailey (depending on whether you want a receiver or a blocker). 

What is done with Wheatfall is he returns is another story...

I was in the Doug Brown camp early this year, Wilson wasn't doing anything on field.  Looks like he and Collaros finally got comfortable with what each other can do. That was a spectacular game, and hopefully not the last one like that.

[BLUEBOMBER]

The team needs fresh blood to rejuvenate...

[TecnoGenius]

Ontaria looked great, but just for one game.  Before that he looked, well, poor.

But what his CGY performance does is make teams respect him now.  Prior to that they only had to (try hard to) cover Demski/Woli.  Now they have to (legit) cover 3.  That should open things up a tad for the Demski/Woli, as well as one of the other 2 guys.  If one of those last 2 can themselves break out, then we might really have something!

[ichabod_crane]

Having burst onto the CFL scene with a breakout game, I think he deserves his own thread.

I understand his nickname has been "Pokey".  Given to him by his grandmother because he reminded her of a Pokemon character.

Well, I guess you could have a worse nickname than one the infers you "Gotta catch 'em all".

Collaros saw the talent he has and was waiting for him to figure out the CFL and get "up to speed", and Friday night, looks like that time arrived.

Dunigan kept calling him "sticky" after that catch over the middle that was way over his head.  Hopefully by next game, he will have learned "Pokey's" real nickname.  Although sticky isn't bad either, really.

FSU standout, with a shoulder injury, went undrafted and signed with the Chargers in 2023 as an undrafted FA, but didn't make the final cuts.

I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of him over the next couple years, unless he gets an NFL sniff this offseason.  No, I'm not saying one 200 yard game means he's NFL bound, but judging by what Collaros has said about him since the start of camp, there are definitely going to be some eyes south of the border looking this way.

We should enjoy him while we can.

 

So who will be the BANDIT?! For those old enough to remember there was a Pokey and the Bandit Jets goalie duo in the latter 80's. Pokey Reddick and Daniel Berthiaume (not sure of Daniel's last name spelling). Was even posters created with the two in a bandit outfits!!   A play off the Smokey and the Bandit movies!

[blue_gold_84]

Awesome breakout game for Wilson, but now it's time to string together some strong performances.

I think the ceiling is high if he can establish himself. And he's not even 25.

[Jesse]

Ontaria looked great, but just for one game.  Before that he looked, well, poor.

But what his CGY performance does is make teams respect him now.  Prior to that they only had to (try hard to) cover Demski/Woli.  Now they have to (legit) cover 3.  That should open things up a tad for the Demski/Woli, as well as one of the other 2 guys.  If one of those last 2 can themselves break out, then we might really have something!

He didn't though; when Strev got him the ball, we also saw what he could to as a runner.

[LXTSN]

Wilson
Johnson
Wheatfall
Clercius

We have a great group of Rookie WR's this season! Just need to get them the ball!
Josh Johnson has been doing a great job with the dirty work from Bailey's role of last season! I caught a glimpse of him  blocking on that Streveler TD I believe.

[Cool Spot]

So who will be the BANDIT?! For those old enough to remember there was a Pokey and the Bandit Jets goalie duo in the latter 80's. Pokey Reddick and Daniel Berthiaume (not sure of Daniel's last name spelling). Was even posters created with the two in a bandit outfits!!   A play off the Smokey and the Bandit movies!

Wow, I am no spring chicken, but I think this was even before my time!

[theaardvark]

Losing the highest paid WR and a perpetual 1000yard guy/league leader, you'd think our team would be decimated. 

Have to admit, I'm impressed.  As much as our scouts are being lambasted for DL depth, you can't doubt thier DB and WR scouting.

2-0, one of those games missing players earning a full 20% of our $SMS.

Now, if the preseason was 6 games instead of 2...

[Blueforlife]

Props to the scouts,killing it!

Depth at receiver right now is as good as I can remember.  Likely have to go back to the Milt days for a comparison.

Proud of what our young group of receivers have accomplished.  Sky is the limit.  These guys are hungry to keep a roster spot.  Lucky on the scene likely lit a fire imo.

[markf]

And he was well covered on a few of his catches.  the t.d. the db fell on him, ball was thrown short, he turned reached back and made the catch as he was falling backwards.

and showed in an earlier game , extremely shifty with quick acceleration after a catch.

also acts like he has done this before.

I will not be surprised if he goes to the NFL.

nfl not drafting him would not be the first time they blew it assessing a player's talent.

should get offensive player of the week..... macinnes will probably get it, but he had nobody near him for a number of his receptions.

[Blueforlife]

And he was well covered on a few of his catches.  the t.d. the db fell on him, ball was thrown short, he turned reached back and made the catch as he was falling backwards.

and showed in an earlier game , extremely shifty with quick acceleration after a catch.

also acts like he has done this before.

I will not be surprised if he goes to the NFL.

nfl not drafting him would not be the first time they blew it assessing a player's talent.

should get offensive player of the week..... macinnes will probably get it, but he had nobody near him for a number of his receptions.

Would need a massive season to get a sniff in the NFL but it is possible.  Does he have the speed and size for the NFL? I don't follow it so no clue.

[markf]

Would need a massive season to get a sniff in the NFL but it is possible.  Does he have the speed and size for the NFL? I don't follow it so no clue.

same.... no actual clue.

 possible I may have been overly enthused. really like the guy.

Allouettes receiver signed in the NFL after last season. so,it happens.

[ichabod_crane]

Wow, I am no spring chicken, but I think this was even before my time!

https://scottywazz.blogspot.com/2009/09/absurd-goalie-monday-pokey-and-bandit.html

IT REALLY HAPPENED! Was a big rage at the time!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

same.... no actual clue.

 possible I may have been overly enthused. really like the guy.

Allouettes receiver signed in the NFL after last season. so,it happens.

Austin Mack has much better size, historically it's usually the bigger CFL receivers that get the NFL tryouts like McInnis, Schaffer-Baker, Lenius, even trending back to Chris Matthews.  Smaller receivers like Schoen can't even get a sniff, it always amazed me that Dressler got an NFL look, despite his diminutive size.

[TecnoGenius]

Have to admit, I'm impressed.  As much as our scouts are being lambasted for DL depth, you can't doubt thier DB and WR scouting.

Wow, 5 days ago everyone was blasting how garbage our R corps was, and mostly everyone was glad we got a "real" R named Lucky coming back.  Nothing changed on the R roster since that time.

I don't want to be a downer, but just look back and think to how you thought/felt 5 days ago.  Remember the MOS/WFC mantra: even keel, even keel.  Temper this new found enthusiasm!

I'm so happy for Pokey, but (again) it's just one game!  And CGY had no idea they had to respect the guy going into that game.  Maybe he's the second coming of Kenny, but it's way too early to say we're golden in the R corps now.  Teams are now going to respect Pokey and study and plan for him.  It won't get easier, it'll get harder.

Our R corps is still decimated, and having issues.  But now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel with Lucky easing in, and Kenny probably back in a couple/few weeks, and the apparent emergence of Pokey.

Now, if the preseason was 6 games instead of 2...

Then MOS would have rested Zach & the starters for 6 games           

[TecnoGenius]

I will not be surprised if he goes to the NFL.

nfl not drafting him would not be the first time they blew it assessing a player's talent.

should get offensive player of the week..... macinnes will probably get it, but he had nobody near him for a number of his receptions.

That is true: McInnis made 90% of his catches in zone -- some soft, some tight -- but zone.  Pokey was maybe working against maybe 40% zone?  I'd have to rewatch, but most catches were with traffic around.

As for NFL: people, it's just one game!  And Pokey already had NFL looks and couldn't crack an AR.  Even Schoen didn't get any NFL bites after lighting up the CFL for 2 seasons straight.  Waaaay to early to worry about NFL.  At 6' 175lb he's at the low end of what the NFL would consider adequate.

[J5V]

At 6' 175lb he's at the low end of what the NFL would consider adequate.

The NFL athletes are insanely gifted. I've often wondered what those players could produce in the CFL. As good as our game is now, it would be some kind of spectacle.

[LXTSN]

The NFL athletes are insanely gifted. I've often wondered what those players could produce in the CFL. As good as our game is now, it would be some kind of spectacle.

It would be interesting to watch for sure. It's rare that a WR (or any position player) goes to the NFL and lights it up.
Who was the last player to come from the CFL and perform as a top 20 player at his position? A few pop into my mind:
Cam Wake
Alex Singleton
Brandon Browner

[Blue In BC]

Would need a massive season to get a sniff in the NFL but it is possible.  Does he have the speed and size for the NFL? I don't follow it so no clue.

The thing is that with the NFL option window he may try and end up with a TC offer. Something like what Ford did resulting in missing the entire 2023 season.

I suppose the better his season turns out may improve his chances but the NFL brings in many players as UDFA for a look see.

[Blue In BC]

It would be interesting to watch for sure. It's rare that a WR (or any position player) goes to the NFL and lights it up.
Who was the last player to come from the CFL and perform as a top 20 player at his position? A few pop into my mind:
Cam Wake
Alex Singleton
Brandon Browner

He was further back in history but Benny Thompson had a great NFL career after leaving Winnipeg.

[theaardvark]

The fact that it took Pokey 6 games to find his footing here on the Bombers might indicate why he fell though the NFL cracks.  They don't give a player any time, you need to come out of the gates on all cylinders. 

He seems to be a guy that once he gets comfortable, his true talents shine through.  Evidently Collaros has seen this all along, and rewarded him last game.

Does a big season get him an NFL look?  Definitely.  Does he stick?  Depends on if a team give him time to acclimate.

[Blue In BC]

The fact that it took Pokey 6 games to find his footing here on the Bombers might indicate why he fell though the NFL cracks.  They don't give a player any time, you need to come out of the gates on all cylinders. 

He seems to be a guy that once he gets comfortable, his true talents shine through.  Evidently Collaros has seen this all along, and rewarded him last game.

Does a big season get him an NFL look?  Definitely.  Does he stick?  Depends on if a team give him time to acclimate.

Keep in mind how rusty the team was to start the season. Many starters injured early and then Collaros missing part of 1 game and then 1 entirely. Oliveria not particularly effective early on due to injuries and rust.

So lots of adjustments on the fly. Yes, Wilson may have been learning the CFL game as part of that but it wasn't the only mitigating issue.

He does appear to have some seriously good skills. Regardless I don't think we can target him 14 times this week and not expect a DB to jump a route. At some point it becomes predictable.

We might see a few more deep shots where his speed becomes a factor.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Keep in mind how rusty the team was to start the season. Many starters injured early and then Collaros missing part of 1 game and then 1 entirely. Oliveria not particularly effective early on due to injuries and rust.

So lots of adjustments on the fly. Yes, Wilson may have been learning the CFL game as part of that but it wasn't the only mitigating issue.

He does appear to have some seriously good skills. Regardless I don't think we can target him 14 times this week and not expect a DB to jump a route. At some point it becomes predictable.

We might see a few more deep shots where his speed becomes a factor.

Agree, that's why I would like to see Whitehead in the lineup this week, Sask. will have to pay close attention to 4 good receivers and one question mark rather than keying on a couple.  Hopefully Zach realizes the advantage of spreading the ball around and doesn't focus on one target too heavily.  Overusing one receiver always puts them at a higher risk of injury.

[TBURGESS]

I'm really interested to see how he plays this week. Is he a one hit wonder or was last game a show of what's to come?

[Blue In BC]

I'm really interested to see how he plays this week. Is he a one hit wonder or was last game a show of what's to come?

IMO he's more than a one hit wonder. He showed great hands, route running, finding the open space, concentration and overall effort.

Now he may be double teamed more this week and may not be the primary target as often. I don't expect another 200 yard game. In fact he may not hit 100 yards this week.

His success last week will open up our other receivers.

Too early to compare him to Lawler but what did Lawler do the game after he had 200 yards?

[theaardvark]

Lawler has only had one more 200 yard game than Wilson... just kidding, but its true.

It is going to be real interesting to see if Zach can break his addiction to Wilson this week.  Wilson bailed him out o a couple throws into coverage, he might not get away with those against the Riders in Toilet Seat stadium.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Lawler has only had one more 200 yard game than Wilson... just kidding, but its true.

It is going to be real interesting to see if Zach can break his addiction to Wilson this week.  Wilson bailed him out o a couple throws into coverage, he might not get away with those against the Riders in Toilet Seat stadium.

I think Demski will be Zach's top receiver this week as he usually shines in Regina, with Wilson reduced to 4-5 balls, it would be nice to see Clercius get as many.

[theaardvark]

I think Demski will be Zach's top receiver this week as he usually shines in Regina, with Wilson reduced to 4-5 balls, it would be nice to see Clercius get as many.

Wilson is going to be a watched decoy for a lot of the game, but I expect him to get more than 5 ball his way.  I don't think more than 10, unless they really blow the coverage on him, leaving him with a db he can beat.

[Blueforlife]

Some good banter here guys, what a treat to be debating who starts on receiver after a rough few games for our O.  Tides are turning in Bomber land.  We got the talent, time for execution.

[ichabod_crane]

He was further back in history but Benny Thompson had a great NFL career after leaving Winnipeg.

Yeah BENNIE THE "HITMAN" THOMPSON of the mid to late 80's!! He was a major tackler for sure.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennie_Thompson_(gridiron_football)

[Pigskin]

I'm really interested to see how he plays this week. Is he a one hit wonder or was last game a show of what's to come?

Yes, I remember when the board went nuts for 1 week over Carlton Agudosi. I would be really surprised if Wilson went down that path. 

[TecnoGenius]

Yes, I remember when the board went nuts for 1 week over Carlton Agudosi. I would be really surprised if Wilson went down that path.

Yup, I think he had 2 TDs that game.  Then... poof.  People are getting way ahead of their skis here.

However, Pokey has a couple of differences in his favor: 1) He's not a Rogers-style huge-body one-trick pony receiver; and 2) The praise coming out of PAS for Pokey has been pretty high: Agudosi never had that.  When WPG coaches and players are really touting a guy, not the normal platitudes, I (now) stop and listen.

[ModAdmin]

As good as Wilson was in the game against Calgary, he needs to be able to continue his consistency, his skills and build on his opportunities to be a formidable player on this team. 

That means taking advantage of every opportunity and performing at a level that helps this team win games.  He doesn't need to get 200 yards or even 100 yards every game but he does need to show he can be relied on to make this offence a threat in every game. 

Certainly the Riders are going to have to pay close attention to him.  That in itself gives us an advantage.

[blue_gold_84]

Yes, I remember when the board went nuts for 1 week over Carlton Agudosi. I would be really surprised if Wilson went down that path. 

I think what stood out in Agudosi's performance were his two receptions for TDs. He didn't even crack 100 yards in that game IIRC. I also think he was more of a known commodity at the time, too.

I think Wilson has more potential.

[theaardvark]

Yes, I remember when the board went nuts for 1 week over Carlton Agudosi. I would be really surprised if Wilson went down that path. 

Carlton went 6-7 for 70 yards and 2 TD's in his first game in 2022.  And then 0-2 in his next and last game.

He went 9-12 in 4 games in 2023 for 120 yds and 0 TD's

Not sure the comparison to Wilson is apropos.

[J5V]

As good as Wilson was in the game against Calgary, he needs to be able to continue his consistency, his skills and build on his opportunities to be a formidable player on this team. 

That means taking advantage of every opportunity and performing at a level that helps this team win games.  He doesn't need to get 200 yards or even 100 yards every game but he does need to show he can be relied on to make this offence a threat in every game. 

Certainly the Riders are going to have to pay close attention to him.  That in itself gives us an advantage.

I agree and believe this is the realistic approach to take. A young receiver should emulate a guy like Wolitarsky. Almost never drops a ball, consistent as they come, runs great routes, never gives up on a play, is a great teammate and is good in the locker room, leads by example, looks after his body, and looks to bail out his QB at every opportunity. Strive to be the consummate professional. You've got to respect a guy that has developed his craft and ticks all those boxes.

[ichabod_crane]

Yup, I think he had 2 TDs that game.  Then... poof.  People are getting way ahead of their skis here.

However, Pokey has a couple of differences in his favor: 1) He's not a Rogers-style huge-body one-trick pony receiver; and 2) The praise coming out of PAS for Pokey has been pretty high: Agudosi never had that.  When WPG coaches and players are really touting a guy, not the normal platitudes, I (now) stop and listen.

Yeah Agudosi was like the second coming after his one HUGE game. Like a first overall draft pick going down the tubes since their first game as a pro!

[peg_city]

Not sure if anyone has said this, but watching Wilson reminds me of Terrance Edwards. They have a similar style (if my memory is serving me correctly).

[Blue In BC]

Not sure if anyone has said this, but watching Wilson reminds me of Terrance Edwards. They have a similar style (if my memory is serving me correctly).

Interesting. I'll keep that in mind when I watch him. He's been very productive and he's hard to take down easily.

[Tiger]

Ontaria Wilso is another find this season.  But for injuries we would not have known.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Ontaria Wilso is another find this season.  But for injuries we would not have known.

Wilson was a day one starter.