TORONTO — Khalil Bass could be pretty nice free agent catch, at least if he’s still on the market on Feb. 14.

The Bombers’ middle linebacker is the top-ranked pending free agent at his position and is set to hit the market in the prime of his career. That should have all nine Canadian Football League teams at attention.

It starts with his ability to tackle. With 181 tackles in his first two CFL seasons, Bass is averaging 90.5 tackles per season. That number alone puts him in elite territory.

What’s more, Bass was a major contributor on the Bombers’ infamous playmaking defence. No unit took the ball away more than Winnipeg’s this year and Bass chipped in with four sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and a touchdown in 17 games.

Bass’ rise to prominence in the pro ranks is certainly noteworthy. The Encino, Calif. native started out in junior college at College of the Canyons before joining Portland State, where he recorded 122 tackles in two seasons.

After trying out with four different teams in the pros, he could have given up. Instead, he improved his speed and cover skills and even practised at safety, eventually earning a spot with the Bombers.

The rest, of course, is history. Bass had a rookie season to remember, ranking fifth in the CFL with 103 tackles — the most ever for a first-year Blue Bomber. He added five sacks, forced two fumbles and also intercepted a pass, ultimately earning him team Most Outstanding Rookie honours.

This year, Bass picked up where he left off, recording four or more tackles in 16 of the 17 games he played in.

Expect more of the same moving forward for the 6-foot, 224-pound linebacker.