Catching On: Talented receivers face difficult odds

TORONTO — Canadian Football League training camps are well-stocked with talented receivers, but who will be on a roster come kickoff?

The competition continues across all nine camps from quarterback to kicker, but the numbers game says pass-catchers face the most difficult odds. From coast to coast 149 receivers are in camps right now, but the position is a revolving door as coaches look to whittle down their depth charts ahead of the regular season.

Some teams like Hamilton, Montreal and BC have it just about figured out. Others like Calgary are sure to have some new, lesser-known contributors in 2016.

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: RECEIVERS

Who will be this year’s Tori Gurley, Tiquan Underwood or Naaman Roosevelt? We look at some of the battles in camp and the names you could hear down the road.

Kamar Jorden, Greg Wilson knocking on the door in Calgary

Bakari Grant was the veteran brought in, but younger receivers have turned heads in Stamps camp as they look to fill the void left by the departed Jeff Fuller and Eric Rogers.

Kamar Jorden and Greg Wilson have made a huge push not only for roster spots in three weeks but for major roles on the offence come the regular season as they continue to establish chemistry with Bo Levi Mitchell.

He’s not as short, but so far the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Wilson has been compared to Weston Dressler in playing style, while Kamar Jorden has also been among the Stamps’ most consistent receivers all camp.

Don’t blink or you’ll miss him

Speed is the name of the game for Jacoby Ford, who has a shot to win a starting job in Edmonton but faces tough competition. Ford is suited to replace Kenny Stafford in the slot, offering the same type of breakaway straight-line speed having run a 4.28 at the NFL Combine back in 2010.

The fact that he’s one of only five internationals may help Ford land a roster spot — it’s unlikely the Eskimos carry any fewer than that — but as far as getting on the field there aren’t any guarantees.

One thing we know is Mike Reilly can throw the deep ball and that’s an important part of the Esks’ offence, meaning if the two can establish chemistry then a fit should be found.

The fantastic four need a sidekick

The REDBLACKS had four 1,000-yard receivers last year but the fifth receiver Maurice Price also played a role, hauling in a career-high 58 catches for 603 yards. With his departure, who will replace Price’s production?

Scott MacDonell and Jake Harty are potential national options but more likely the spot will be filled by an international.

Khalil Paden is in his third season on the team and showed some potential in 2014, while Tyler Shoemaker is a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-1, 213 pounds and ran a 4.40 at his Boise State Pro Day.

Travon Van is listed as a running back but profiles more as a receiver. Juron Criner, 26, and former Texas Longhorn John Harris are also competing for the role among a selection of others, as the REDBLACKS have 14 receivers in camp, nine of which are internationals.

Not just a sideshow

If the Bombers are looking to start four Americans at receiver it means eight internationals are battling for one position. That is a wide open battle for a chance to start alongside Weston Dressler, Ryan Smith and Darvin Adams.

Kevin Cone, 28, has gotten plenty of opportunity there in training camp after being brought in last year. Justin Veltung’s name has been bandied about after spending most of his first season with the Bombers as a returner, but still weighing in with a pair of touchdown grabs.

And among other contenders, 26-year-old Julian Talley, who ran a 4.47 out of Massachusetts, was among standouts at the Bombers’ mini-camp back in April in Winnipeg.

Whoever can get on the field will play an important role in Paul LaPolice’s offence, one that looks to get everyone involved.

Too many hands on deck?

After rebuilding the offence with an injection of youth at receiver last season, the Argos emerge in 2016 with four proven internationals in the receiving corps in Vidal Hazelton, Tori Gurley, Kevin Elliott and Diontae Spencer. Add Anthony Coombs and Andre Durie to the mix and it’s a pretty well-rounded group.

Still, nothing is set in stone, and other receivers may be pushing for playing time.

Phil Bates is one to keep an eye on after getting into the lineup late last season with Ricky Ray under centre and producing. Florida State’s Kenny Shaw has been waiting for his chance the last couple of years now. And Devon Wylie, while recently suffering an ankle injury, was the star of the Argos’ mini-camp.

Keep in mind that chemistry with Ray will play a role. The current crop of starters worked with Trevor Harris most of last year, so whoever establishes the best rapport with Ray this camp will have a huge leg up — especially following the departure of Ray’s top target in Owens.

Not time to get too comfortable

It’s easy to single out a few of the top headlines but realistically there’s competition everywhere. The Riders for example have 21 receivers in camp, meaning it’s almost expected that at least one lesser-known receiver will emerge to play a role this season.

With the revolving door at receiver and the influx of talented players at the position, everyone should be looking over their shoulder and no one can afford to get comfortable.