Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — Stylishly late isn’t necessarily a bad way to make an appearance.
That’s been the case for a number of veterans and rookies across the CFL this season, as many players have joined their teams after training camp to make a significant impact.
Some, like Kevin Elliott and Taylor Reed, were released suddenly in the middle of the season. Others like Terrell Sinkfield and Willie Jefferson arrived late following stints in the National Football League.
Either way, training camp isn’t the last time teams tweak their rosters. Changes have happened all season and some of the most subtle adjustments and additions have led to improvement throughout the year.
With the playoffs a week away, we look at 10 players that joined their team after the start of the season and have gone on to make an impact.
10. Brandyn Thompson
DB | EDM
A key piece of Ottawa’s East Division-winning defence in 2015, Thompson signed up to help the Eskimos’ ailing defence early this year after first giving it a shot with the NFL. The 27-year-old is a proven talent and while injuries have kept him out since early October, a return for the playoffs would strongly benefit Mike Benevides’ defence.
Following an off-season that devastated the Eskimos with key free agent losses and a season-ending injury to John Ojo, Thompson has filled the gap nicely.
9. T.J. Heath
DB | WPG
T.J. Heath has taken over a starting role for the Bombers (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Acquired in the trade that sent Drew Willy to Toronto, Heath has now supplanted rookie standout Kevin Fogg as a starter in the Bombers’ secondary.
With seven interceptions in 16 games, Heath not only gives Winnipeg a gifted playmaker but also plenty of depth and flexibility in an already-stout defensive backfield.
8. Terrell Sinkfield
REC | BC
After spending training camp as a returner with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, Sinkfield joined Wally Buono’s club in September. He dropped his first target and failed to record a catch in his debut vs. Edmonton but has been good since then, recording 246 yards and a pair of touchdowns over the last five games.
Sinkfield gives the Lions something they were lacking before signing the former Tiger-Cat: dangerous, game-breaking speed.
7. Xavier Fulton
OL | HAM
Fulton was hardly an afterthought for the Ticats after heading to Hamilton in the same trade as Justin Capicciotti. The fifth-year pro has started the last four games for the team at left tackle, helping an injury-riddled O-line stand its ground ahead of the playoffs.
On a young offensive line that’s seen its share of adversity this season, Fulton is a leader and a crucial part of the team’s Grey Cup hopes this season.
6. Kevin Elliott
REC | HAM
It’s only been two games and it’s already fair to say Elliott is going to be a key piece of the Ticats’ offence in the playoffs. The second-year pass-catcher was released by the Argos and quickly latched on with a Tabbies team struggling with the injury bug, immediately making an impact.
The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Elliott, who has 174 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches with the Ticats, forms a physically-imposing duo with Terrence Toliver that could be a handful for opponents.
5. Willie Jefferson
DE | SSK
Chris Jones may have struck out with Shawn Lemon and Justin Capicciotti, the two big free agent defensive ends he signed and then eventually traded, but Jefferson was a sure thing.
The 25-year-old pass rusher was a force in helping Edmonton capture a Grey Cup Championship last season while he’s already chipped in three sacks in four games with the Riders in 2016.
Landing Jefferson was a big move for the future of the Riders’ defence as it’s clear to see that for Jones, everything is coming together.
4. Shawn Lemon
DE | TOR
Shawn Lemon has recorded 14 sacks in 14 games for the Argos this season (CFL.ca)
Things did’t work out in Riderville and maybe it wasn’t anyone’s fault — it certainly wasn’t his fault as the Lemonator has since recorded 14 sacks over 14 games as a member of Rich Stubler’s defence.
Lemon has played just about everywhere the last few years and there’s no knowing what the future holds for the 28-year-old, but he is no doubt an upper-echelon CFL defensive lineman.
3. Taylor Reed
LB | OTT
Just when they needed a middle linebacker, Reed fell into the lap of Marcel Desjardins and the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The 25-year-old has been outstanding for Ottawa since arriving in Week 14 and it’s no coincidence the REDBLACKS have been a better team ever since.
Reed has 38 tackles in seven starts with Ottawa (5.4 per game) and will play a major role in the team’s hopes of getting back to the Grey Cup this month.
2. Caleb Holley
REC | SSK
Holley signed with the Riders back in August and immediately became one of the team’s top receivers, logging 640 yards in only 10 games. While the Riders aren’t a playoff team, that can’t be pinned on him — Saskatchewan’s offence has improved and the Riders have won more games since Holley was added.
Those who say the future is bright in Riderville could definitely use the team’s young receivers, including Holley, as a starting point.
1. Mitchell White
DB | OTT
Released by Montreal in a surprise move before the season, White has done a nice job filling in on an Ottawa defence hit hard by some key off-season departures.
Replacing Jovon Johnson and Brandyn Thompson hasn’t been easy but White is the rare type of corner you can leave on an island against the opposition’s best players, night in and night out.
Look out for him in the playoffs and quite possibly the 104th Grey Cup.
