February 5, 2017

FA Most Wanted: A rare shutdown half

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

TORONTO — It’s easy to see why receivers are the hot topic heading into 2017 free agency.

After all, passing offences exploded across the league last season, generating three quarterbacks over 5,000 passing yards and 15 receivers over 1,000 receiving yards.

But while 12 of CFL.ca’s 30 top-ranked pending free agents are pass-catchers, those lining up on the opposite side of the ball are harder to find.

Abdul Kanneh is one of two truly elite defensive backs and if he hits the market on Feb. 14, expect the Grey Cup-winning halfback to cash in.

Kanneh is the top-ranked defensive back in free agency and the fourth overall according to CFL.ca:

4
ABDUL KANNEH
DB | OTT

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Abdul Kanneh (left) tackles Argos receiver Devon Wylie (right) during a game in 2016 (The Canadian Press)

FA RANKINGS
OVR – 4
TEAM – 3
POS — 1
2016 BY THE #’S
GP – 16
TKL – 52
INT 3

 

Originally born in London, England, Kanneh played defensive back in college at New Mexico Highlands University, recording nine interceptions and four tackles along with 107 career tackles over two seasons. Then 23, Kanneh also returned 21 kickoffs for 425 yards with two touchdowns and 13 punt returns for 215 yards.

After going undrafted in the NFL Draft, he signed up with the Cleveland Browns in 2013 before a brief stint with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.

It was just before training camp in 2014 that Kanneh found the REDBLACKS, playing 10 games as a rookie that year while recording 10 interceptions.

In three seasons with Ottawa, Kanneh has recorded 12 interceptions, five forced fumbles, three sacks and 138 tackles.

Now, three years later, Kanneh is one of the CFL’s top free agents. And while he doesn’t look imposing at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, make no mistake: physicality is a huge part of Kanneh’s game.

In short, the 26-year-old has become one of the league’s premier cover halfbacks and should be hearing from a number of teams should he hit the market on Valentine’s Day.