Esks.com
TORONTO — Who is the most underrated player in the CFL?
We all know the league’s biggest stars, like the Most Outstanding Player Henry Burris or the unstoppable kick returner Brandon Banks. But what about the players that consistently contribute and help their team win games, but just don’t get the recognition they deserve?
Every team has them — you can’t win without ’em. It’s a question that stirred plenty of debate when we asked a group of the league’s brightest stars, and in the end it came down to multiple names.
As Best in the League continues Wednesday with the fourth of 10 episodes at 12 p.m. ET, the finding is that there is no resounding answer.
We’ll show you their picks, but first here’s one player from every CFL team that’s flown under the radar but shouldn’t:
BC Lions
T.J. Lee, DB
After emerging as a part-time starter in 2014, T.J. Lee became an everyday starting halfback for the Lions and a sturdy one at that. He started in 17 games in 2015, finishing the year second on the team in tackles (82) behind Adam Bighill and second in interceptions (four) behind Ryan Phillips.
The third-year Lion, now 27, is a key part of the defence on the west coast and is quickly becoming one of the better halfbacks in the CFL as this early stage in his career.
Edmonton Eskimos
Deon Lacey, DE
Chris Jones found a diamond in the rough in February of 2014 when he found then-23-year-old Deon Lacey, a versatile linebacker/defensive end.
Lacey had to earn his playing time, making nine defensive tackles and 29 special teams tackles as a linebacker/special teamer in 2014, but by last year he started to push for more playing time as a defensive end. Whenever Lacey was on the field as a pass-rusher last season he produced, coming away with six sacks and four forced fumbles.
At 25 years old, Lacey is a top-notch special teams contributor already but the best is yet to come on the defensive side of the ball as he lines up as a potential starter in 2016.
Calgary Stampeders
Marquay McDaniel, REC
Marquay McDaniel is the model of consistency for CFL receivers, notching no fewer than 688 receiving yards throughout his six full CFL seasons (not counting 2011 when he was limited to just one game and four receptions).
Every year he’s overshadowed by someone else in the Stamps’ offence, whether it be Eric Rogers or Nik Lewis, but McDaniel has reached at least 700 yards in all four of his seasons since arriving in Calgary and eclipsed 1,000 yards in two of his last three.
If he’s needed to carry the load this year with Rogers and Jeff Fuller out of town, you know the 32-year-old Virginia Beach, Va. native will have no problem stepping up.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Otha Foster, DB
One of the most underrated free agent signings this off-season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Otha Foster has never gotten the credit he deserves as one of the staples of an elite Edmonton Eskimos defence.
The 27-year-old fits in as a SAM linebacker under Chris Jones in Regina after recording 57 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, two touchdowns and two forced fumbles in two seasons with Jones in Edmonton. There, he’ll have a chance to form one of the CFL’s best linebacker tandems along with Greg Jones and Jeff Knox Jr.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Darvin Adams, REC
Currently a forgotten man following the Bombers’ high-profile signings of Ryan Smith, Weston Dressler and Andrew Harris, Darvin Adams fast emerged as a high-end receiving option last year when he caught 61 passes for 839 yards and six touchdowns.
With his 6-foot-2 frame, the 26-year-old has the physical makeup and athleticism to be a dominant receiver in the league and won’t be left out among Drew Willy’s expensive new weapons. Expect Adams to continue his upward trending path.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Alex Hoffman-Ellis, LB
(Roxanna Nazarowicz/RX photography)
Another quiet free agent signing, Alex Hoffman-Ellis arrives in Tiger Town amid plenty of hype as he fills the spot left by Taylor Reed.
The 26-year-old stepped into the spotlight to replace injured linebacker Solomon Elimimian last season and held his own in B.C., recording 56 tackles and three interceptions across 17 games.
His efforts last season helped the Lions make the playoffs and also earn him a new contract in free agency from the Ticats as well as the opportunity to start on one of the league’s biggest playmaking defences. It means expect plenty from Hoffman-Ellis in 2016.
Toronto Argonauts
Brandon Whitaker, RB
Even at age 30 Brandon Whitaker still does a lot of things better than almost anyone else, whether it’s pass protection, catching the ball out of the backfield or running the ball.
Whitaker’s resurgence in Toronto saw his best season since 2011, rushing for 636 yards and averaging 5.3 yards per carry while adding 440 yards through the air with six total touchdowns.
Scott Milanovich and the Argos will value Whitaker plenty in 2016 as they look to involve him in multiple ways on offence while also keeping Ricky Ray on his feet. Running backs might be a dime a dozen but not ones like Whitaker.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Jerrell Gavins, DB
(Chris Hofley/Ottawa REDBLACKS)
One of just a few returning starters on Rick Campbell’s defence, Jerrell Gavins played a key role in the REDBLACKS’ emergence as a top defensive team.
What the 27-year-old lacks in size at 5-foot-8 he makes up for in skill, hauling in four interceptions in 2015 while notching 36 tackles and a touchdown over 15 games played.
Gavins is expected to emerge as a leader in a secondary that lost two key starters in Brandyn Thompson and Jovon Johnson.
Montreal Alouettes
Tyrell Sutton, RB
It’s hard to imagine the league’s leading rusher checking in as underrated, but Tyrell Sutton just hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves after rushing for a league-best 1,059 yards last season.
The Akron, Ohio native has speed and quickness in the open field but is also strong for his 5-foot-8, 213-pound frame, packing a powerful punch on an Alouettes’ offence that’s been judged lately more for its inconsistent quarterback play.
For all the talented running backs in the CFL, Sutton will look to go for the rushing title repeat after averaging a healthy 5.88 yards per carry in 2016.
Who do you think is the most underrated player in the CFL? Vote below in the poll, join in the discussion and keep an eye on Best in the League as the stars weigh in with their thoughts.
